10 Best NBA Defenders of All Time
Defense wins championships. That timeless saying will hold true for any NBA team with
ambitions of greatness. It is well understood that an ability to score makes successful highlights;
However, it is at the back that legends are made. Many brilliant, tireless, and diverse defenders have graced the NBA in the past and present of the basketball game that distinguished them asthe ultimate players.
Below is the list of the 10 best defenders in NBA history and all the related parameters of their effectiveness as defenders.
Best NBA Defenders of All Time
When it comes to two way guards, and particularly two way guards of the shooting guard size, Moncrief may have been one of the best of the 1980s. Moncrief was described as ‘quick, smart and tenacious’ throughout the 1980 s while he filled the Milwaukee Bucks’ defense line.
The five time All-star finished his last two seasons in the University and won the Defensive Player of the Year in 1983 and 1984 which directed him as being one of the best perimeter defenders to everplay the sport.
Achievement:
● 2x Defensive Player of the Year (1983, 1984)
● 5x All-Defensive Team selections
Moncrief’s ability to lock down opponents, whether it was a scoring guard or a small forward, set the standard for defensive excellence among guards.
Kevin Garnett’s desire and ability to play across the defensive positions were incredible. Even
so, growing 6’11” and possessing the footwork of a guard, Garnett could play virtually any
position he wanted to.
He was the right anchor the Boston Celtics needed to defend its NBA
championship in 2008 as he was awarded the defensive player of the year.
Achievement:
● Defensive Player of the Year (2008)
● 12x All-Defensive Team selections
● Led NBA in defensive rebounds for 5 seasons
Garnett’s trash-talking might have grabbed headlines, but his defensive instincts and leadership
were what made him a legend.
I have always admired Dennis Rodman’s uncompromised defense and rebounding abilities.
Playing for the Detroit Pistons, Rodman was characterized for his work ethic, strength, and
knowledge of the game and despite his lack of size for a power forward, he could easily guard
all five positions.
He made such a difference on defense that he contributed to the Detroit
Pistons’ “Bad Boys” as well as the Chicago Bulls led by Michael Jordan.
Achievement:
● 2x Defensive Player of the Year (1990, 1991)
● 8x All-Defensive Team selections
● 7x NBA rebounding leader
Rodman’s defense wasn’t just about numbers; it was about his ability to disrupt and dominate
the opposition mentally and physically.
“Not in my house!” Dikembe Mutombo’s rightful finger wag practiced his dominance as one of
the most renowned shot-blockers of all time. Averaging 7’2”, Mutombo and his timing utterly
frustrated even the most relentless attackers.
Achievement:
● 4x Defensive Player of the Year (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001)
● 3,289 career blocks (2nd all-time)
● 6x All-Defensive Team selections
Mutombo’s defense was the foundation for every team he played on, turning them into
formidable opponents.
By virtue of his playbook and knowledge of the game, Scottie Pippen was one of the best all
round defenders to ever grace the NBA. He was Michael Jordan’s sidekick, and he in many
instances was expected to guard some of the deadliest shooters in the league.
Achievement:
● 10x All-Defensive Team selections
● 6x NBA Champion
● Averaged 2.0 steals per game for his career
The fact that Pippen could just as effectively be placed on a point guard as on a power forward
was unique to Pippen’s style at his time.
Although only 6’8”, Ben Wallace brought a big-time motor and a massive heart to be a defensive force. As the centerpiece of the Detroit Piston’s 2004 championship squad, Wallace hammered opposing teams with his stunning shot-blocking and excellent rebounding.
Achievement:
● 4x Defensive Player of the Year (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006)
● 6x All-Defensive Team selections
● Led the league in rebounds twice and blocks once
Wallace was one of the reasons why during their part of the playoffs and until the finals the
Pistons would limit some of the powerhouse teams to scores under 70 points per game
Hakeem Olajuwon’s defense also complemented his offence, it was just as fluid. An
agile and extremely quick forward ‘The Dream’ was a nightmare for his opponents
especially the big men.
Achievement:
● 2x Defensive Player of the Year (1993, 1994)
● NBA’s all-time leader in blocks (3,830)
● 9x All-Defensive Team selections
Olajuwon was the inside/outside powerhouse that led the Houston Rockets to
consecutive championships in the mid nineties.
The defensive play of Tim Duncan was outstanding in terms of positioning and basics.
Serving as the leader of the San Antonio Spurs, During his time with the San Antonio
Spurs, teammates benefited immensely from his physical presence and strong
communication skills which improved his team’s defensive play.
Achievement:
● 15x All-Defensive Team selections (NBA record)
● 5x NBA Champion
● Career defensive rating: 96.5
Despite being a player who was unafraid to get stuck in, Duncan demonstrated
remarkably cool temperament, even when embarking on one of his efficient clearances.
While Jordan’s offensive feats often overshadowed his defense, make no mistake: MJ was a
defensive savant. His competitive attribute was unmatched forcing him into a one man team
especially on both wings.
Achievement:
● Defensive Player of the Year (1988)
● 9x All-Defensive Team selections
● Career average: 2.3 steals per game
His skills of trapping and containing his counterparts in addition to his leadership in attacking
plays was what made Jordan be labelled the GOAT by many people.
When it comes to defense, Bill Russell stands alone. The cornerstone of the Boston Celtics’ 11
championship wins, Russell revolutionized shot-blocking and team defense. His IQ, athleticism, and leadership made him a generational talent.
Achievement:
● 11x NBA Champion
● 5x MVP
● Averaged 22.5 rebounds per game for his career
Russell’s impact on the defensive end transcends stats; he was the ultimate winner
Lastly About Defense
Defense is also a form of artistic expression, and those players were creating quite impressive pieces of art on the basketball court. Some of the best defenders that have graced the game include Russell, who was a legendary leader, and Moncrief, who was a true definition of a hardworking player. As the NBA changes with time, these names shall always be associated with defensive specialties.
