Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago

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We are ranking the best NBA players when it comes to defense. Featured players:

Pistons Ben Wallace
Sixers Bobby Jones
Spurs Bruce Bowen
Clippers Chris Paul
Spurs David Robinson
Celtics Dennis Johnson
Pistons Dennis Rodman
Hawks Dikembe Mutombo
Warriors Draymond Green
Magic Dwight Howard
Sonics Gary Payton
Rockets Hakeem Olajuwon
Nets Jason Kidd
Celtics John Havlicek
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Spurs Kawhi Leonard
Wolves Kevin Garnett
Lakers Kobe Bryant
Lakers Michael Cooper
Bulls Michael Jordan
T’Wolves Rudy Gobert
Bulls Scottie Pippen
Bucks Sidney Moncrief
Spurs Tim Duncan
Knicks Walt Frazier

Methodology
A point system is used wherein:
Defensive player of the year = 3 points
All Defensive First Team = 3 points
All Defensive Second Team = 2 points
*If a player earns DPOY award and Def 1st team, that player receives a total of 6 points for that year.