The NBA 2024-25 season began last month and there's already been plenty to talk about. This time, we're focusing on showcasing an elite set of defenders who are notably doing their defensive duties diligently and locking down everybody. Who do you think will make our top picks for the best NBA defenders in 2024? Let's see.
1. Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
Was it ever in doubt? Victor Wembanyama's leap to the top of the NBA defense rankings is nothing short of a historic moment in the league. The 20-year-old Spurs phenomenon has gone from a rookie sensation to the league's most feared defensive presence. Leading the NBA with an astounding 3.6 blocks per game in his rookie season, Wembanyama's 8-foot wingspan has become a nightmare for opponents.
The thing with Wembanyama's NBA defense rankings is that it's not just about his shot-blocking ability. Wembley is versatile. Unlike traditional rim protectors, he's good in perimeter defense, and this makes him a unique defensive weapon in today's era of positionless basketball.
Whether you take this seriously or not, there's something now called the HELLNAH stat, and Wembanyama leads in it. It's basically an innovative statistic which measures how often players avoid challenging him at the rim altogether.
Team-wise, the Spurs' defensive transformation under Wembanyama's watch has been remarkable. He's helped a team that ranked at the bottom of defensive ratings to 21st place in just one season. Nobody else could've been number one. Wemby's ability to guard multiple positions while providing good rim protection makes him the prototype for modern NBA defense.
2. Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves)
Gobert's defensive dominance continues to reshape how teams attack the paint. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner joined elite company alongside Ben Wallace and Dikembe Mutombo last season, and his impact is quantifiable.
Opponents shot 13.8% worse within six feet of the basket when facing him, placing him in the 98th percentile of defenders. Sure, we can dig up criticism about his perimeter defense, but Gobert's rim protection remains unmatched, forcing teams to settle for mid range shots rather than challenge him at the rim.
3. Anthony Davis (Lakers)
For someone who gets trolled for being sculpted out of glass due to his long list of injuries, Anthony Davis is still that guy defensively. He combines elite rim protection (178 blocks, fourth in the league) with exceptional perimeter defense for a big man. With a 7-6 wingspan and sharp tactical awareness, Davis is one of the most versatile defenders in the NBA.
Although he has never won the Defensive Player of the Year, his impact should not be debated against. His ability to clean up teammates' mistakes while anchoring the Lakers' defense places him firmly among the elite defenders.
3. Bam Adebayo (Heat)
What's more consistent than a fifth consecutive All-Defensive team selection? As Miami's defensive quarterback, Adebayo expertly anchors their feared zone defense while displaying the agility to switch onto guards.
He is notably great at defending 2-on-1 situations, simultaneously denying both the ball handler and potential lob threats. Adebayo's defensive rebounding (ranking 10th in the league) adds more perspective to how impactful he is defensively.
4. Draymond Green (Warriors)
When he's not punching opponents or his own teammates, Draymond Green's basketball IQ and defensive anticipation shines truly. Despite missing time due to suspensions, his impact remains profound when on the court for the Warriors.
His footwork, hands, and ability to read offensive sets make him one of the smartest defenders in league history. Although part of an aging dynasty, Green's unique talent for stopping fast breaks single-handedly and his communication skills amplify his teammates' defensive capabilities.
5. Jonathan Isaac (Magic)
Isaac's combination of size, fluidity, and defensive instincts makes him a special talent when healthy. He has the ability to switch seamlessly across positions while providing elite weak-side help defense.
The bad thing is that injuries have limited his playing time, but his impact when available is undeniable. Isaac's length and timing make him one of the league's most intimidating weak-side shot blockers.
6. Alex Caruso (Bulls)
Fearless while fighting through screens, Alex Caruso is proof that elite defense isn't limited to big men. At 6'4, he regularly takes on assignments ranging from quick guards to powerful forwards. He's got really quick hands and his basketball intelligence makes him a defensive disruptor.
You'll consistently find him calling out opponents' plays even before they develop. Caruso's ability has got him a couple of momentum-shifting defensive plays to his name, and that just proves he's a premier defensive guard.
7. Herbert Jones (Pelicans)
"Not on Herb" day in Louisiana (May 28) celebrates Jones's defensive excellence, and for good reason. His first 2023-24 KIA NBA All-Defensive First Team selection was well-deserved, as he helped anchor the Pelicans' sixth-ranked defense. Jones is blessed with a combination of length, anticipation, and relentless energy which makes him a nightmare for opposing wings. He also knows how to block jump shots and close passing lanes with his length.
8. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)
While Milwaukee's overall defense struggled last season, Antetokounmpo's individual defensive excellence remained on display. His combination of length, speed, and athleticism should be illegal.
He is one of the league's best help defenders. Opponents notably shot 9.4% worse against him within six feet of the basket, so you know his rim protection game is elite. Every team would want such a defensive asset like Giannis who can guard all five positions and protect the rim.
9. Jrue Holiday (Celtics)
Holiday's sixth All-Defensive team selection last season should be enough explanation. The Boston Celtics man has proven capable of guarding players of all sizes, even centers in certain matchups. He has great lower body strength and is really good at reaching across players' bodies to force turnovers. He played a role in Boston's second-ranked defense, showcasing why he's a technically sound defender.
Wrapping Up
That's all from us in our NBA defense rankings for the current season. How did we do? Whatever you think, we believe there's very little to argue about Wembanyama, though. Having finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season, we predict he will take the crown this time around. Bold claim? We'll see.