Welcome back to the "Greatest Ever" series as we continue back with the ranks of the greatest defensive players to play in the league's history.
I have written an article on the same topic which you can find here, however i decided to re-edited for couple of reasons.
First of all, i have done now a better and more detailed research in order to write this article. Second, i realized that i have made several key mistakes in writing.
Third, somewhat my work was founded on one site called "InsideHoops" (which is by the way, legit site with knowledgeable users) where they criticized me for some of my obvious errors.
That's why i have decided to re-edit the article. Without further ado, here are the best defenders to ever step on a basketball hardwood.
Best Perimeter Defender:Garry Payton
To me, no one ever defended the perimeter better than Gary Payton whose nickname (“The Glove”) describes his ability to defend perfectly, for he is the only Point Guard to ever win Defensive Player of the Year.
Payton stood at 6’4″, had phenomenal footwork, quick hands, toughness and tenacity to rise above all on the perimeter against tons of prolific scorers. He had no problem shutting them all down as he masted the art of steals while not allowing a clear shot.
He was known for his defensive performances in his career against some of the top scorers of all times. He held his own against even the legendary Michael Jordan, who he put to his worst Finals performances and slowed him to 27.3 points, stopping him five times under 30 points and holding him to 42 percent from the field.
There is another strong candidate in Scottie Pippen, who had a perfect size to defend with 6’8, had long arms, terrific footwork and a needed aggression to excel. He defended well anyone. Sid the Squid is terrific as well as guys, but he didn't really face too many prolific scorers.
There were other candidates in Walt Frazier, Jerry West, Michael Jordan, Dennis Johnson but all came short. Here's the list
1.Gary Payton
2.Scottie Pippen
3.Michael Jordan
4.Sidney Moncrief
5.Bruce Bowen
Honorable Mention:Jerry West, Walt Frazier, Dennis Johnson and so on.
Best Post Defender:Bill Russell
Bill Russell revolutionized the concepts of defense in the NBA and was a phenomenal defensive player who mastered the fundamentals to dominate at the defensive end and change the game of basketball with that style.
He basically built the fundamentals of the blocked shot, who made blocking shots into an art form, because he had perfect timing, didn’t foul the shooter and when he blocked the shot, kept his team in possession since he would tip the ball to his teammate or to himself.
He turned blocks into rebounding chances, which is superb. He was a lock-down defender who would use his high basketball IQ, skills and athleticism to stop his man. He had many performances slowing down the great Wilt to below his standard games in the Finals and Playoffs.
However he's not the only one with a respectable case for the first spot. Wilt Chamberlain, although was known for his offense, he was just as dominant and feared on the other side. He'd have probably led the league in blocks if the stat was official through.
Then you have Hakeem Olajuwon, who was also terrific in all categories. You also have Nate Thurmond, a capable and praised center for his ability in the paint. Then you have Tim Duncan, for who a case can be made that he's just as good as these named legends. Dikembe Mutombo is another stopper who's worth to mention.
Here's the list. A respectable argument can be made for all five members as the finest post (and overall) defensive player ever.
1.Bill Russell
2.Hakeem Olajuwon
3.Wilt Chamberlain
4.Nate Thurmond
5.Tim Duncan
Honorable Mention:Artis Gilmore, Dikembe Mutombo, Bill Walton, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Ben Wallace
Best Thief:Jerry West
Jerry West was arguably the greatest thief in the NBA History. He was a 6'2 guard, who had excellent skills, quick hands as snake's tongue, instincts and those long arms. He was a terrific presence on the lanes.
While steals were official in only one year of his career, he averaged 2.6 steals in that season. He was also 36 years, battled through injuries which makes that achievement fantastic. He was so prolific in this aspect of the game, that he'd probably have lead the league if the stat was official in his time.
He often had games over 10 steals and some of them were documented. Other candidate worth to consider is Michael Jordan. Although he ranks second in total overall in both regular season and playoffs, Jordan was capable to play more than solid defense and get the steal.
Then, the overlooked Alvin Robertson can be added to the conversation because he ranks first in steals per game. Gary Payton, Jason Kidd, Maurice Cheeks are other worthy players who deserve to be on that list.
For a note is the fact that Scottie Pippen was a very good player in this aspect, which can be supported by the fact that he holds the records for most steals for forwards in both regular and post season.
However, you can't leave Hakeem Olajuwon who ranks ninth in steals, a surely outstanding feat. Even though steals wasn't official stat in their careers, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain's domination in that aspect was more than evident.
The list
1.Jerry West
2.Michael Jordan
3.John Stockton
4.Alvin Robertson
5.Jason Kidd
Honorable Mention:Hakeem Olajuwon, Chris Paul (will most likely get a place on this list one day), Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Clyde Drexler, Maurice Cheeks, Allen Iverson etc.
Best Shot Blocker:Bill Russell
The blocked shot is the most powerful action in the game of basketball, which is often the last line of defense in order to stop someone’s shot attempt.
Bill Russell is arguably the greatest shot blocker to ever step on a hardwood. He built the fundamentals of the blocked shot. He mastered three things for success:1) perfect timing, 2)not fouling the shooter and 3) tipping the ball to himself or his team mates.
He was known to play mind games with his opponents. Then, in the key moment, he'd stop them with his shot blocking and get them out of rhythm. However, blocks weren't official stat in his time. Had they been, he'd most likely been in the top 2.
Wilt Chamberlain has also a very respectable case too. He was a physical presence in the paint and he made sure everyone know that. He often swat shots and that's why his opponents feared him. He'd would have probably been the all time leader in this stat, had it been official in his career.
Then we have the current all time leader in this category, Hakeem Olajuwon. The Dream was a fantastic shot blocker himself, and like the rest, he excelled in this thing too.
Other candidate who's worth to mention is Nate Thurmond. He put his physicality on display and was a well known presence in the paint with his elite shot blocking skills.
I won't pass on the guards though. West and Jordan were awesome shot challengers of their own, despite their positions. Respectable cases can be made for the first four members for this honor. Here is my list.
1.Bill Russell
2.Wilt Chamberlain
3.Hakeem Olajuwon
4.Nate Thurmond
5.Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Honorable Mention:Dikembe Mutombo, David Robinson, Alonzo Mourning, Ben Wallace, Tim Duncan, Mark Eaton, Bill Walton, Artis Gilmore and so on.
Most Versatile Defender:Dennis Rodman
Don’t worry NBA fans, despite how bad Dennis Rodman is off the court, what he did on it was fantastic; a rebounder and defender of his class is hard to find. A player like him, now, could turn a team into a championship contender.
He defended fast and small point guards such as Gary Payton to giants of the game like Shaquille O’Neal, which no one else did better. His versatility and skills on the defensive end gave him a reputation as a superb defender his entire career.
He was a consistent member of the All-NBA Defensive Teams, won two Defensive Player Of The Year awards and contributed to five titles.
Other outstanding versatile stopper was New York's Dave Debusschere, who despite his physicality, he defended anyone well. Bobby Jones was amazing defender of his own, who excelled in all of the areas where a guy on this list should.
Here is the list
1.Dennis Rodman
2.Dave Debusschere
3.Bobby Jones
4.Scottie Pippen
5.Bruce Bowen
Honorable Mention:Sidney Moncrief, Gary Payton, Michael Cooper, Bill Russell, Hakeem Olajuwon etc.
Best Defensive Rebounder:Wilt Chamberlain
The legendary Wilt Chamberlain was arguably the greatest rebounder in the NBA History. He's rivaled by very few here, and i think he was the finest at pulling down rebounds in his side of the court.
The defensive boards weren't an official stat until 1972, which means that we don't know exactly how much boards was he averaging at his glass. He had 22.9 boards in average, and he must have averaged something above 12 if not more.
However, i'll you this. The biggest challenger for this honor is Bill Russell, who couldn't stop Wilt from getting extra chances when they played head to head. Moses was excellent rebounding machine of his own, but he was more acknowledged for his offensive boards.
Artis Gilmore and Karl Malone were great, but not that good. Dennis Rodman was fantastic, but i feel he's behind Russell. So this leaves Chamberlain as a clear winner.
Taking The Charge:Derrick Fisher
Taking charges is also another way of slowing down your man, but in order to do this, you have to be ahead of your man and stand there for at least two seconds, so the refs can call an offensive foul and believe me, it’s not easy to do it.
However, there have been players like Fisher, Ginobili and Varejao who have done it the best, but also added nice acting performances that I’m sure would all get awarded. From all of these, no one did it better than D Fish.
Best Off-Ball Defender:Hakeem Olajuwon
Off-Ball Defense is also another way of judging how a player did on that end of the court, which can be measured by stats and by simply watching.
There have been players who have played the passing lanes, blocked shots, helped on the double-team, get in the paint for boards and so on. Players like these can have big impacts on a team.
For an example, the ability to play good defense in the lanes gave the Bulls in the 90′s huge success since they broke down the ball movement, interrupted game plans and so on.
From the past, legends like Pippen, Jordan and many others excelled at this. Over the past two-three years, the best off-ball defender has been LeBron James.
His great abilities got him deep in the voting for the league’s top defensive player two years ago. It helped guys like Jordan and Robinson big time to earn awards.
Big men were terrific in this category too. From the recent history of the NBA, Hakeem Olajuwon stands out on top. Of course, you can't leave out Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain who blocked shots and stopped lots of passes too.
1.Hakeem Olajuwon-His off-ball defense was second to none. Without a disrespect for other centers such as Russ and Chamberlain, he just did it best by far. He challenged shots in the air strongly but also was 9th in steals overall. He had years when he averaged 3-plus blocks and 2-plus steals, which is amazing.
2.Michael Jordan-The only player to record at least 200 steals and 100 blocks, at least twice. He also leads all guards in total blocked shots too and ranks second in steals.
3.Jerry West-He averaged 2.8 steals and one block at the age of 36. He'd been the all time leader in steals and probably swat more shots than any other guard if these stats were official in his career.
4.Scottie Pippen
5.Ben Wallace
Honorable Mention:Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade
Best Defensive Leaders
In this picture, there are two of the greatest defensive leaders in the NBA History; those two are Kevin Garnett and Bill Russell.
A defensive leader can have such a positive impact on a certain player. In general, these players have the ability to translate that energy, toughness, positive strength and will for winning, which can mean a lot of things in a team.
When the Boston Celtics got Kevin Garnett in 2008, I am positive that few believed that his toughness and intensiveness would translate that well to the Celtics, which happened to be one of the factors for Boston’s successful run in the same year.
Another example can be the signing of Ron Artest to the Lakers, who quickly established himself into the exact same thing that KG did with their rivals, and now, L.A. are one tough team.
From the past, the most notable teams to mention are the Celtics from the 60′s, 80′s, Knicks from the 70′s, 90′s, Showtime Lakers and so on.
Bill Russell had it best with the C’s way back, who from day one single-handedly turned them from a super offensive team, to a superb defensive team, led by the same player to win an amazing 11 championships in 13 years.
1.Bill Russell
2.Hakeem Olajuwon
3.Kevin Garnett
4.Wilt Chamberlain
5.Ben Wallace
Honorable Mention:Dikembe Mutombo, Willis Reed and so on.
Best Defensive Guards
A respectable case for the first four as the best defensive guards of all time. It's hard to judge who's better when all things are taken in consideration.
I've decided to go with Sidney Moncrief as the top choice here. He was the first guard (and player) to win the Defensive Player Of The Year award as soon it existed.
He impacted on defense like no one else could and was a lock down stopper. Michael Jordan is another candidate here. He was terrific in terms of in both on and off ball defense, he won a DPOY himself too.
Gary Payton remains the only point guard to win the Defensive Player Of The Year. He was amazing on the perimeter and on the passing lanes. A case can be made for him.
Finally, the NBA's Logo, Jerry West was just as good as any of the named guys above if not better. He'd most likely been the all time leader in steals and blocks for guards ( for the first also overall).
Here is the list
1.Sidney Moncrief
2.Michael Jordan
3.Gary Payton
4.Jerry West
5.Joe Dumars
6.Dennis Johnson
7.Walt Frazier
8.Jason Kidd
9.Alvin Robertson
10.Kobe Bryant
Honorable Mention:Michael Cooper, KC Jones (first lock down defender ever from the guards position)
Best Defensive Forwards
Before i name the top 10, the two men in the picture here, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman easily are two candidates for the honor of finest defensive forward ever.
Also another guy who's worthy of mentioning is Bobby Jones, the underrated stopper of the great Philadelphia teams of the 80's. Of course, Debusschere was a worthy defender as well! Here is my list
1.Dennis Rodman
2.Scottie Pippen
3.Bobby Jones
4.Kevin Garnett
5.Dave Debusschere
6.Elvin Hayes
7.Bruce Bowen
8.Ron Artest
9.Shane Battier
10.Elgin Baylor
Honorable Mention:Gus Johnson (has two All-Defensive First Team), John Havlicek, Maurice Lucas, James Worthy
Best Defensive Centers
The first five members of the list all have respectable cases for the honor of not only best defensive center, but also the greatest defender to ever play the game of basketball.
Here's the top 10 list.
1.Bill Russell
2.Hakeem Olajuwon
3.Wilt Chamberlain
4.Tim Duncan (he’s listed as a Power Forward, but on defense is more of a center and that’s where he stands on those All-Defensive Teams)
5.Nate Thurmond
6.Dikembe Mutombo
7.David Robinson
8.Bill Walton
9.Artis Gilmore
10.Patrick Ewing
Honorable Mention:Willis Reed, Robert Parish and so on.
Best Defensive Line Ups
Here is a quick look at the best defensive line ups:
All-Time First Best Defensive Line Up
C:Hakeem Olajuwon
PF:Bill Russell
SF:Dennis Rodman
SG:Sidney Moncrief
PG:Gary Payton
All Time Second Best Defensive Line Up
C:Wilt Chamberlain
PF:Tim Duncan
SF:Kevin Garnett
SG:Michael Jordan
PG:Walt Frazier
All Time Third Best Defensive Line Up
C:Nate Thurmond
PF:Dave Debusschere
SF:Bobby Jones
SG:Jerry West
PG:Dennis Johnson
As a fan of the league, it’s really hard to judge, overall, who was the finest defensive player to ever walk on an NBA hardwood. The reason that I included these categories are because players from different positions often have their own ways of slowing down their opponents.
I hate to leave someone off and that’s why I will feature a top 20 list that will be in a specific order. Check my choices from the last to the best. Enjoy!
20.Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Kareem Abdul Jabbar is one of the greatest post defenders in the history of the NBA. His high basketball IQ, length, and athleticism made him a terrific shot blocker mainly from the side and stats prove that as he led the league in blocks an incredible four times.
His offensive skills overshadowed his great presence in the post on the other end of the court. He covered his man pretty well most of the time and affected shots in the paint while cleaning up the glass for the Lakers.
His totals and averages are even more impressive because it wasn’t until his third season that blocks and steals became official statistics.
The awards and stats say how great a defender this guy was. The DPOY award was inaugurated well after his finest years of protecting the paint, so he never won one.
Notable Career Facts and Stats
All-NBA Defensive Team Selection: 11 (Five All-First Defensive/Six All-Second Defensive Team)
Block Titles: Four
His career total of 3,189 blocked shots is ranked No. 3 on the all-time lists
His playoff total of 476 is the all-time best in playoff history
His playoff average of 2.4 blocks per game is ranked No. 8 in playoff history
His playoff total of 1,273 rebounds is ranked No. 5 in playoff history
His career total of 9,394 defensive rebounds is ranked No. 9 all time
His career defensive rating of 94.49 is ranked No. 2 all time
His playoff defensive rating of 13.74 is ranked No. 4 in playoff history
He has led the NBA twice in total defensive rebounds
His total of 1,111 defensive rebounds is an NBA record
19.Bill Walton
Bill Walton was one of the game's greatest defenders of all time, who put that skill of his on display especially when he was healthy and dominated in that aspect.
Walton wasn't a physically gifted center, but he mastered the fundamentals, relied on his superior intelligence, used his size, length and skills to establish himself as a force under his paint.
Had there was a Defensive Player Of The Year in his time, he'd most likely win one. He also held his own against the many great opponents like Kareem and so on.
18.Artis Gilmore
The most overlooked big man of all time, the 7’2″ Artis Gilmore wasn’t so much known for his offense, but when he went up to block a shot and grab rebounds, everybody knew who he was.
He was a physically gifted center who could jump high, had excellent length, was athletic and is regarded as one of the strongest men to play professional basketball. He was also skilled.
He translated that physicality in the paint to establish himself as a presence. Gilmore was one of the most feared shot blockers and a very good rebounder, who ranks fourth and sixth in blocks and boards.
He was such a force, who's rightfully in the Hall Of Fame!
Notable Career Facts and Stats (Featuring NBA/ABA Stats Combined):
All-Defensive Selections: Six (Five All-ABA First Defensive/ One All-NBA Second Defensive Team)
His career total of 11,514 defensive rebounds is ranked No. 1 all time
His career total of 3,178 blocked shots is ranked No. 4 all time
His career block average of 2.4 is ranked No. 14 all time
His career defensive rebound percent of 24.9 is ranked No. 13 all time
His playoff total of 168 blocked shots is ranked No. 21 all time
His playoff average of 2.2 blocked shots per game is ranked No. 10 all time
His playoff total of 808 defensive rebounds is ranked No. 27 all time
His career defensive win share of 75.54 is ranked No. 10 all time
He led the ABA five times in total defensive rebounds!
He led the ABA three times in total blocked shots!
17.Gary Payton
Former Seattle Super Sonic players,a legend remembered for his defensive performances,Garry Payton was the best perimeter player in the history of the NBA!
The 6’4 Payton strengths were toughness,courage,strong footwork combined with rarely seen skills for a point guard to dominate on the other end of the court.He also played well on the lanes,as he did managed to lead twice in steals per game
He mastered the art form of steals on his man while not give him clear shot.He was so outstanding that he put the playoffs’ top scoring machine,Michael Jordan to just 27 points per game while holding him in 5 games under 30 points,once on 22 and worst shooting percent
The career feat came in 1996 when he won the Defensive Player Of The Year,which adds nicely to record 9x straight All-First Defensive selections and his total of steals 2445 is ranked No.3 on the all time lists.Can you think of Payton as a Top 10 defender ever?
Who says guards can’t defend…
Bobby Jones is an unknown name to youthful generation of basketball, but all the students of the history of this league know what he did best and that was playing stealer defense.
Yes, that’s right. Jones had skills, but he maximized it through amazing hustle, determination and toughness to join the elite class of all-time defensive wizards. He was a true defensive wizard who was strong on the perimeter, on his man, inside, everywhere.
He was one of the most admired defenders to ever put a uniform on, spent 8-10 seasons in the NBA and a couple in the ABA. He was consistent in the All-Defensive selections.
Career Facts:
-Defensive Player Of The Year: 0
-All NBA/ABA Defensive Teams: 10 (Nine-Time All-First, One All-Second)
15.Alonzo Mourning
A powerful presence in the paint who possessed remarkable athleticism, terrific strength, nice length and timing, Alonzo Mourning was one of the game’s greatest defensive players of all time.
He was an intimating presence in the interior because of his already named physical advantages which made up for his lack of size (6’10) and he was a skilled stopper too.
Mourning was one of the best shot blockers to ever play in the NBA, who challenged pretty much everything well, had nice numbers, alerted dozens of attempts because of that and was consistent in doing it. His numbers speak for that as well.
Zo was a monster on the boards, who could glean the glass very well and had couple of seasons over 10 rebounds in average.
His highest mark was 13.3 in his sophomore season as part of the Charlotte Hornets, who collected big numbers despite playing with Larry Johnson was capable to pull down a ton of missed shots as well.
He pretty much became the Hornets all time leader in blocks very soon after short number of games, a proof of his dominance.
In his prime, he was the top overall defensive player who led all twice in blocks with outstanding 3.7 and 3.9 rejections that earned him two Defensive Player Of The Year awards.
He was an amazing one on one defender as well, who challenged all of the great offensive big men in his era like Shaq, Hakeem who were two of the best players to ever step foot on a basketball hardwood.
Notable Career Facts
-Defensive Player Of The Year awards:two (won them in his prime)
-All NBA Defensive Teams:two (largely because he played with Hakeem, Ewing, Robinson and so on)
-Career Rebounds:7.137 (8.5)—————————————————665 (7.0)
-Career Blocked Shots:2.356 (2.8)———————————————–215 (2.3)
-His career block total ranks No.12 on the all time list
-His career blocking average ranks No.6 on the all time list
-His career block percent ranks No.6 on the all time list
-His playoffs block total ranks No.16 on the all time list
-His playoffs blocking average ranks No.9 on the all time list
14.Jerry West
Even though he was much more known for his amazing offensive abilities, Jerry West was an outstanding defensive wizard who's one of the best defenders of all time.
He was a 6'2 guard, who was blessed with nice instincts, skills, intelligence and amazing length. His wing span was around 6'10, which is fantastic tool for a defender to have, especially for his size.
West was one of the finest off-ball stoppers to ever step on a hardwood. That's evident by his averages of 2.8 steals and one block at the age of 36 in the last year of his career.
His stats were probably insane as he has recorded arguably more steals than anyone else and blocked most shots for a guard. He often had games above ten steals, which speaks a lot.
He was a lock down defender too, who knew how to stop his opponents and excelled in perimeter defense too. Overall, he was one of the most underrated defensive players to play the game.
For a note is he might have had a chance to win a Defensive Player Of The Year even though he played in an era which featured Russell, Wilt and Thurmond. He'd have made more All-Defensive Teams if they were official in his career.
Notable Career Facts:
-All NBA Defensive Team Selections:5 (four of them were All-First Team)
13.Kevin Garnett
The Big Ticket,is one of the best interior defenders in the history of the NBA,part of the game that he took to a whole new level in his team since ’08,the Boston Celtics
His combination of athleticism,strength and speed combined with the fantastic skills made him a strong presence in the paint on defense,a force that has feared everyone in the league and still does it almost with easy
His defensive presence was the key to the Boston Celtics 2008 Championship run where he locked one of the most skilled big men in the league Pau Gasol and showed his toughness while questioning his rival’s toughness as well
He intimated guys with his blocked shots,when he would swat the shot and let you know that he’s in the building.Like he has consistently through the course of his career,when the refs call for example a foul,someone shots and KG takes the ball before it hits the mark…
Garnett also not only that he did all of that but mainly in his days as a Timberwolf,he played well on the lanes and after he played for one of the most popular franchises around,his one on one defense and ability to stay on the pick with other players is also brilliant as much is his ability to clean the glass!
Notable Career Facts:
-Defensive Player Of The Year:1 (2008)
-All NBA Defensive Selections:10 (8x All-First Defensive////2x All-Second Defensive Teams)
-His career total of 9326 defensive rebounds is ranked #7 on the all time list (best of all current)
-His career total of 1790 blocked shots is ranked at #23 on the all time list
-His playoff average of 1.43 blocked shots is ranked #30 in the playoffs history
-His career total of 1513 steals is ranked #4 among the current and is one of the better for power forwards
-His playoff total of 832 defensive rebounds is ranked #25 on the all time list!
-His career defensive rebound percent of 25.6 is ranked at #12 on the all time lists
-His playoff defensive rebound percent of 25.9 is ranked #6 in the playoffs history!
-4x times leader in total defensive rebounds grabbed!
12.Michael Jordan
As much as he was nearly an unstoppable offensive force, he was as nearly as good on the defensive end and is one of the greatest defensive players in NBA History.
Jordan was one of the most physically gifted wing players of all time, who was really athletic, explosive, quick and skilled stopper that interrupted and broke teams' plans for ball movement and so on.
He excelled in both off and on ball defense, as he could impact the game in more than one way! He was awarded with a Defensive Player Of The Year award in 1988, for his amazing efforts on this side.
He could be argued to be as the best defensive guard ever and certainly into the top ten too.
Career Facts:
-Defensive Player Of The Year: 1 (1988)
-All NBA Defensive Selections: 9 (All-First each, shares the record with Payton)
-Steals: 2,514 (2.3)—————————————-376 (2.10)
-Ranks No.1 in most blocked shots for guards
-Ranks No.2 in most steals for career
-Ranks No.3 on the all-time list for career steals per game
-Ranks No.6 on the playoffs all-time list in most steals per game
-Ranks No.2 on the playoffs in most steals per game
11.David Robinson
A 7’2″ muscular, athletic, quick and strong center with a nice vertical jump, David Robinson was one of the best defensive players to step on an NBA hardwood.
He was one of the most physically imposing players of all time. His athleticism was up there with Wilt's and LeBron's. He was very strong big man inside, good in one on one match ups and did most of his work in the air.
He excelled at shot blocking, which was his strength on defense that have earned him a good reputation. He’s arguably one of the top five shot blockers of any time.
He averaged amazing 4.5 swat shots when he won his only block crown but he did also average 3.9 rejections in his first two seasons. That’s domination.
He was also interrupting passes like crazy. He had some seasons when he ranked top 5 in steals, which is crazy! His greatest achievement came when he won Defensive Player of the Year in a competition of many all time greats.
Career Facts:
Defensive Player Of The Year: one (1992)
-All NBA Defensive Selections: Eight (4x All-First)
-Rebounds: 10,497 (10.6)—————1301 boards (10.6)
-Blocks: 2,954 (3.0)————————-312 blocks (2.5)
-Ranks No.5 in terms of most blocks during the playoffs
-Ranks No.6 in most blocked shots per game during the playoffs
-Ranks No.6 on the all-time list in most blocked shots
-Ranks No.4 on the all-time list in most blocked shots per game
-Ranks No.30 in most rebounds per game during career
10.Sidney Moncrief
Whenever you hear the name Sidney Moncrief, two things should be remembered: complete game and just amazing defensive abilities, which earned him the reputation as one of the best defenders to play in NBA History.
A consistent, determined stopper, with a strong body who had above average shot blocking skills thanks to his 36 inch vertical jump, which he combined with his superb skills to dominate on defense, like few had of any time.
He didn’t have so many awesomely high stats in blocks and steals, but his determination to be on the top as a defensive wizard and overall, made him a loved player during his career at the Bucks, a fan favorite and an admired figure from other stars.
This quote says it all: “In that environment, you were always on the defensive, because you never wanted to show that you could be dominated in any way.”
Sidney Moncrief could be argued as the greatest defender of all time. A respectable case can be made.
Career Facts:
-Defensive Player Of The Year: 2 (1982,83)
-All NBA Defensive Teams: 5 (Four-Time All-First selections)
-One of the better blocking guards
-First player the Defensive Player Of The Year
-First guard to win the Defensive Player Of The Year
-Only guard to win the Defensive Player Of The Year twice
-First man to win the Defensive Player Of The Year twice
9.Scottie PippenThe superb skilled, quick, athletic and 6’8″ Scottie Pippen had all the tools to excel at the defensive end, and that’s exactly what he did. He became one of the greatest defensive players the game has ever seen.
He could be argued as the top perimeter defender of all time. He was slowing down any great prolific player out there. He could also defend other forwards as well, which makes him one of the most versatile defenders to step on the hardwood.
It's weird to consider that he didn't win a Defensive Player Of The Year award, however he was a consistent member of the All-Defensive Teams. The real question is could Scottie Pippen be argued as the finest defensive stopper ever? Yes, he can.
Career Facts:
-Defensive Player of the Year: None
-All NBA Defensive Selections: Nine Times (All-First Defense for each)
-Steals:2307 (2.0)———————————————-395 steals (1.9)
-Ranks No.1 in the playoffs history for most steals
-Ranks No.1 in the playoffs history for most steals record by a forward
-Ranks No.6 on the all time list, for most career steals
-Steals title: 1 (2.9)
-Often led his teams in blocks and assists, from time to time even in steals
8.Ben Wallace
For a big man, Ben Wallace is not that big of a dude, but regardless of that, he has made his mark as one of the best defensive players the game has ever seen.
He had phenomenal strength, athleticism, skills and put in hard work in order to dominate in the paint with his defense, stopping often much bigger opponents like Shaquille O’Neal. He often intimidated players when driving to the rim.
He was one of the top help defenders of all time, who was the most feared stopper in the history of the NBA, which is a legacy that still stands. He owns dozens of records, nice stats as an extra bonus to his work and is a model for all non-drafted players.
He can be argued much further, actually, all the way to the top since a case can be made, but in my list, he sits right here.
Career Facts:
- Defensive Player Of The Year: 4 (2003,04,05,06____shares that record with Dikembe)
- All NBA Defensive Teams: 6 (5x All-First)
- Rebound titles: 2x (15.4,13.0)
- Rebounds: 10,034 (10.1)————————————1454 (11.2)
- Blocks: 2,055 (2,1)——————————————–250 (1.9)
- Ranks No.16 in the playoffs history for most blocks per game recorded ever
- Ranks No.10 in the playoffs history for most blocks
- Ranks No.18 on the all time list for career blocks
- Ranks No.41 in most rebounds grabbed per game in career
- Ranks No.34 on the all time list for most career rebounds
- Ranks No.55 on the all time lists for most steals
- Had 6 seasons of at least,10+ boards,2+ blocks and 1+ steals per game
Dikembe Mutombo had the tools to become a great defender as he was such a big center, 7’1″, strong, athletic, skilled with long arms to establish himself as one of the biggest defensive players in the history of the NBA.
Mutombo was an outstanding presence on defense who was, perhaps, the best shot blocker in the air duels right in your face, and one of the best shot blockers of all-time overall as well. He was also an outstanding help defender too.
He was so dominate as an interior stopper that he ranks at the near top of it, as he once recorded 31 blocks in the biggest upset in the league’s history, earning him the most Defensive Player of the Year awards in the history of professional basketball.
That's why he has a respectable choice as the game's most finest defender of any time.
Career Facts:
-Defensive Player Of The Year: 4 (NBA record,shares it with Big Ben)
-All NBA Defensive Selections: 6 (including 3x All-First)
-Blocked shots: 3,289 (2.8)————————–251 (2.5)
-Rebounds: 12,359 (10.3)———————————–962 (9.5)
-Ranks at No.2 in most career blocks
-Ranks at No.7 in most blocks per game
-Ranks at No.35 in most career rebounds per game
-Ranks at No.18 in most boards grabbed for career
-Ranks at No.10 in most playoff blocks
-Ranks at No.7 in most blocks per game during the playoffs
-Ranks at No.15 in most career defensive win share
-Ranks at No.8 in career defensive rebound percent
-3x block titles
-5x leader in total blocks
-2x rebound titles
6.Nate Thurmond
A remarkable physically gifted center who played defense with pride but is in the shadows of his peers like Russell and Chamberlain, Nate Thurmond was indeed one of the greatest defenders of all time with a good case of being the best as well.
It’s a shame injuries slowed him a little bit time, but he was a real force in his own paint in so many ways. He possessed incredible athleticism, strength, awesome vertical jump, instincts and length to be an all time great in this aspect of the game.
He was additionally sensational in one on one match ups, as he could stop his man and still be a presence. He was fantastic in blocking shots who is one of the top shot blockers ever. Some say he could block more shots in his prime than Hakeem, which isn’t an easy thing.
It’s unfortunately that stat wasn’t official part from the start of his career as he would have ranked near the top. Thurmond was a dominant presence on the glass, who even though put awesome numbers, he never led the league in rebounding.
He did grab over 20 rebounds in two season, he also has career average of 15.0 that is ranked at the 5th spot. For a period of four years, he collected 19.7 boards. In a period for two season, he collected 20.5 missed shots a game. Phenomenal, isn’t it?
Nate the Great was one of the rare players to record at least 20 points and 20 boards in a single season joining Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell for that accomplishment. He still holds the record for most boards grabbed in a single quarter with 18 and is also officially the first one to record a quadruple double.
He was the ultimate Kareem and Wilt stopper, as Jabbar said that Nate was the toughest defender he ever faced. A good praise from a big rival, isn’t it? He held the 7’2 opponent who to a big time decrease in production thanks to the tough and great defense by Nate.
All of them, including Russ said that he was their toughest challenge. When Kareem faced Nate, his production usually decreased big time. Same for Wilt as well. He was arguably the finest one on one defender from the center’s position.
Even though there wasn't a Defensive Player Of The Year, he'd have won at least one award.
Notable Career Stats and Facts
All-NBA Defensive Selections: Five (Two All-First Defensive/Three All-Second Defensive Teams)
His career rebound total of 14,464 rebounds is ranked No. 9 all time
His career rebound average of 15.0 is ranked No. 5 all time
His playoff total of 1,101 rebounds is ranked No. 33 in playoff history
His playoff average of 13.6 rebounds per game is ranked No. 10 in playoff history
His career defensive win share rating of 62.2 is ranked No. 23 in playoff history
5.Tim Duncan
Often viewed as boring but very efficient, Tim Duncan is one of the greatest defensive players in the history of the NBA who’s still a dominate defensive presence in the paint and is the perfect fundamentally sound defender.
He could be even argued as the finest of them all.
That’s right. He has never been a guy who would go in too many unneeded air match ups just to stop a shot attempt near the rim. His size, length and skills combine with his superb instincts and high basketball IQ allowing him to outsmart his opponents.
He’s second to Bill Russell in terms of beating his opponents in the air, because he has incredible timing, a sense not to foul the shooter and not to allow second chances for his opponents, which makes him one of the best shot blockers.
However, his work defensively has came more on the ground in which few were better but that's arguable. He wasn't also a foul machine too, as he was one of the rare members of this list to have higher blocking average than fouls.
He held even the great Shaq attack to 23 points per game during his rival’s finest seasons. He excelled at cleaning the glass by understanding boxing out and dominating in the clutch. For example, he had like 15 boards to go with three blocks in the ’03 Finals.
Career Facts:
-Defensive Player Of The Year: 0 (he still waits for it)
-All NBA Defensive Selections: 13 (including 8x All-First)
-NBA All time leader in most defensive selections
-Career Rebounds: 11,529 (11.6)————————–2114 (12.4)
-Career Blocked shots: 2,273 (2.3)————————438 (2.6)
-Ranks at No.4 in the playoffs for most blocked shots
-Ranks at No.11 in most career blocked shots
-Ranks at No.16 in career blocks per game
-Ranks at No.24 in terms of most rebounds grabbed in career
-Ranks at No.20 in career rebounds per game
-Ranks at No.15 in playoff rebounds per game
-Ranks at No.7 in career defensive win shares (82.9)
-Ranks at No.5 in playoffs defensive win shares (13.0)
-Ranks at No.2 in career defensive rating
-Ranks at No.14 in playoff defensive rating
-Ranks at No.7 in career defensive win share
-Ranks at No.5 in playoff defensive win share
-Ranks at No.7 in career defensive rebound percent
-Ranks at No.9 in playoff defensive rebound percent
4.Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman was one of the greatest defenders in the history of the game called basketball. Although, he was a very crazy person off the court in order to get publicity; on the court he was outstanding.
The surprising part is back in college, this guy was an effective scorer but understood that he would help more on the other end of the court, and he became a total stud. His hustle, hard work, skills and instincts earned him a reputation as a phenomenal defender.
He could be argued as the best of them all in terms of defense.
He was indeed the most versatile stopper who dominated in the three major things of defense: on the perimeter, in the post, on his man and was terrific in team help D as well. He guarded giants like Shaq, Hakeem to the likes of Jordan, Payton, Magic etc…
He was a rebounding beast who was perhaps the top rebounder of all time, who grabbed like 19 boards per game during his prime, which is a crazy achievement. When he led the NBA in this category, the second best was like way off with 13 boards.
He stands well in this debate and if you argue Dennis Rodman as the cream of the cop from this list, that’s a good decision. He's a legend in this aspect of the game!
Career Facts:
-Defensive Player Of The Year: 2 (1990,91)
-All NBA Defensive Teams: 8 (this includes 7x All-First Defense)
-Boards: 11,954 (13.1)————————–1676 (9.9)
-7x rebound titles (1992-98)
-4x leader in total rebounds
3.Wilt Chamberlain
Although he was much more known for his offense, Wilt Chamberlain was almost equally good when it comes to defense and as feared on this side on the court.
The Big Dipper was arguably the physically most gifted player of all time, even though he didn't rely on it so much. He was arguably the most athletic and strongest man to step on a basketball hardwood.
He was a skilled and smart stopper, who made the needed changes to be a dominant presence in his paint. He was arguably the greatest shot blocker to play the game, who usually lead the league in blocked shots even though it wasn't official stat.
He was a feared presence because he didn't let anyone to dunk on neither to finish with easy lay ups. He was an outstanding rebounding machine, who won 11 rebound titles and controlled his glass like no one else has.
It's a shame that there weren't Defensive Player Of The Year award, because he would have won at least one award even though there was a lot of competition.
He usually stopped the opponents' center in at least 90% of the match ups. Chamberlain could be argued as the best defender in the NBA History.
Notable Career Stats and Facts
All-NBA Defensive Selections: Two (Both are All-First Defensive Teams)
His career total of 23,924 rebounds is the best all time
His career average of 22.9 rebounds per game is the best all time
His career defensive win share of 93.9 is ranked No. 4 all time
His playoff defensive win share of 15.81 is ranked No. 2 all time
His playoff average of 24.46 rebounds per game is second-best all time
His playoff total of 3,913 rebounds is also second-best all time
He led the league 11 times in rebounding, which is by far more times than anyone else
2.Hakeem Olajuwon
A physically imposing center who possessed a rare combination of strength, speed and athleticism, Hakeem Olajuwon could be argued as the greatest defender in the NBA History.All-NBA Defensive Selections: Two (Both are All-First Defensive Teams)
His career total of 23,924 rebounds is the best all time
His career average of 22.9 rebounds per game is the best all time
His career defensive win share of 93.9 is ranked No. 4 all time
His playoff defensive win share of 15.81 is ranked No. 2 all time
His playoff average of 24.46 rebounds per game is second-best all time
His playoff total of 3,913 rebounds is also second-best all time
He led the league 11 times in rebounding, which is by far more times than anyone else
2.Hakeem Olajuwon
He relied on his superb physical advantages, skills and intelligence to be a force on defense like few have had. He excelled in one on one match ups, rebounded well and challenged shots very well.
Not only that he was capable to shut down his man, he was a shot blocking machine who could just have a ton of steals, defended the pick n’ roll well and even if there was a switch on the perimeter, he was so good in there too.
He made nice decisions on the court and just changed the game in another way with his total domination as a defender. No one can take that from him. He was one of the best shot blockers and by far no one ever interrupted the lanes as a big man better than No. 34.
Career Facts:
-Defensive Player Of The Year: 2 (1993,94)
-All NBA Defensive Selections: 9 (those include 5x all first)
-NBA All Time leader in blocked shots
-Rebounds: 13,748 (11.1)————————————–1621 (11.2)
-Blocked shots: 3,830 (3.1)———————————472 (3.3)
-Ranks at No.1 in most career blocks of all time
-Ranks at No.1 in most playoff blocks per game
-Ranks at No.2 in most career blocks in total
-Ranks at No.3 in most career blocks per game
-Ranks at No.5 in career defensive win share
-Ranks at No.11 in playoff defensive win share
-Ranks at No.22 in career defensive rebound percent
-Ranks at No.27 in playoff defensive rebound percent
-Ranks at No.11 in career total rebounds
-Ranks at No.25 in career rebound average
-Ranks at No.9 in most steals, No.1 by far more then any other big men
-2x rebound titles (2x leader in total, who averaged ridiculous 16.8 boards in the playoffs)
-3x block titles (2x in total, averaged insane 4.6 blocks per game)
-5x leader in defensive rating
1.Bill Russell
A legendary center who revolutionized the concepts of defense, Bill Russell is the greatest defensive player in NBA History, who just changed the game of basketball and proved that you can be a superstar while dominating on the other end of the court.
He was one of the smartest players this game has seen who had a book on everybody and was just that beast who knew how to crush a rhythm of the man he guarded and on offense possessed incredible skills, athleticism, speed to go with high basketball IQ and instincts.
He created dozens of fast breaks for Boston, mostly from rebounding/blocks and throwing outlet passes to anyone, which is how he contributed for another two points without even taking a shot. Impressive, isn’t it.
He was arguably the best shot blocker of all time because of his fantastic style. He mastered three things for earning this honor: perfect timing, not fouling the shooter, keeping possession for his team by turning the blocked shot into a rebound.
That’s art and he built the fundamentals of shot blocking. He was the finest defender that knew how to beat and slow down the great Wilt Chamberlain, especially in the playoffs and finals. He stopped dozens of great big men, Hall of Famers like Pettit, Reed, Bellamy and so on.
It’s a shame defensive stats like blocks and steals were not official during that time, which would have showed his total domination on defense. There are the 11 championships he won and led his Celtics to it thanks to his magic overall.
Most likely he would have been the all-time leader in blocked shots (or his rival Wilt), but it’s a pity since it’s done. One more thing—he and Olajuwon would often go and deny guards/forwards on the fast break like LeBron does these days.
Career Facts:
-Defensive Player Of The Year : (The award did not exist until 1982)
-All NBA Defensive Teams: 1 (All-First; the award came late in Russell’s career as he was about to retire that time)
-Rebounds: 21,620 (22.5)————————————–4,104 rebounds (24.9)
-Ranks No.1 in career defensive win share
-Ranks No.1 in playoff defensive win share
-Ranks No.1 in total rebounds during playoffs
-Ranks No.1 in most rebounds per game during playoffs
-Ranks No.1 in most rebounds during the Finals
-Ranks No.2 in total career boards
-Ranks No.2 in total career boards per game
He was one of the smartest players this game has seen who had a book on everybody and was just that beast who knew how to crush a rhythm of the man he guarded and on offense possessed incredible skills, athleticism, speed to go with high basketball IQ and instincts.
He created dozens of fast breaks for Boston, mostly from rebounding/blocks and throwing outlet passes to anyone, which is how he contributed for another two points without even taking a shot. Impressive, isn’t it.
He was arguably the best shot blocker of all time because of his fantastic style. He mastered three things for earning this honor: perfect timing, not fouling the shooter, keeping possession for his team by turning the blocked shot into a rebound.
That’s art and he built the fundamentals of shot blocking. He was the finest defender that knew how to beat and slow down the great Wilt Chamberlain, especially in the playoffs and finals. He stopped dozens of great big men, Hall of Famers like Pettit, Reed, Bellamy and so on.
It’s a shame defensive stats like blocks and steals were not official during that time, which would have showed his total domination on defense. There are the 11 championships he won and led his Celtics to it thanks to his magic overall.
Most likely he would have been the all-time leader in blocked shots (or his rival Wilt), but it’s a pity since it’s done. One more thing—he and Olajuwon would often go and deny guards/forwards on the fast break like LeBron does these days.
Career Facts:
-Defensive Player Of The Year : (The award did not exist until 1982)
-All NBA Defensive Teams: 1 (All-First; the award came late in Russell’s career as he was about to retire that time)
-Rebounds: 21,620 (22.5)————————————–4,104 rebounds (24.9)
-Ranks No.1 in career defensive win share
-Ranks No.1 in playoff defensive win share
-Ranks No.1 in total rebounds during playoffs
-Ranks No.1 in most rebounds per game during playoffs
-Ranks No.1 in most rebounds during the Finals
-Ranks No.2 in total career boards
-Ranks No.2 in total career boards per game
Note: For the passionate Wilt fan on InsideHoops, i have Wilt ranked really high in offensive categories and they'll come out soon so you can see for yourself. As for the user who asked am i old or a European, you got it right
By Darko Mihajlovski
By Darko Mihajlovski
