The NBA community focuses so much on scoring, as inefficiencies on offense are more frowned upon than defensive mishaps. Despite Ben Simmons’ contributions defensively, the Philadelphia 76ers fans wanted him out following their 2021 playoffs semi-finals exit.
There is a general sentiment about the NBA being too soft as rules like hand-checking are frowned upon. While there is a legitimate claim that these rules have given an advantage to offensive players and reduced defensive players’ efficiency, some have excelled regardless.
Franchises looking to compete for the 2021 NBA title have made several changes to their lineup. While many sought to improve their offense, the Miami Heat also paid keen attention to defense. The acquisition of PJ Tucker, who rarely makes significant contributions on offense, was brought in to help bolster their defense.
While we await tip-offs to find out how these signings will impact their new teams, here are the five best defensive players right now heading into the 2021-22 NBA season.
#5 Draymond Green
Draymond Green has continued to prove that he is an elite defender, as he was a finalist in the 2021 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. Despite losing the title to the Utah Jazz’ big man, he made the 2021 NBA All-Defensive First Team.
Adding to his defensive brilliance, he is a significant figure in the Golden State Warriors offense. Even with the firepower of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the Warriors might struggle without the input of Green. His versatility and high basketball IQ have made him the anchor of the Warriors’ defensive lineup.
#4 Bam Adebayo
Bam Adebayo showed us how versatile he is as a defender in his rookie season and has continued to improve since then. Steph Curry is a master ball-handler, but he was unable to shake off Bam and was forced to give up the ball.
While many NBA players have thrived as defenders in one or two areas, Bam is an all-around defender. He can guard all five positions and is not only efficient in shutting down the paint. Although undersized, he still has to do a bit more work against bigger opponents at the 5.
#3 Giannis Antetokounmpo
There is a saying that offense wins games in the NBA, but a good defense wins championships. The overall defensive effort of the Milwaukee Bucks - led by Giannis Antetokounmpo - on their journey to the 2021 NBA championship proved that statement.
Giannis is an exceptional two-way talent, consistently showing his dominance on both ends of the court. The 2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year has been on an upward trajectory and is not showing any signs of slowing down. His lateral movement and impressive wingspan have made him a force on defense.
It would be absurd not to mention Giannis’ clutch block in Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Finals. It was even more impressive considering all he had to do to make that block. After helping Tucker block Devin Booker’s driving lane and force a lob pass, he shuffled back to meet DeAndre Ayton at the rim to hold on to their 2-point lead late in the game.
#2 Ben Simmons
Although Ben Simmons is painfully a burden on offense, he is a defensive juggernaut and has successfully locked down offensive maestros in the past. The NBA is now heavily reliant on shooting, which is why Simmons’ poor jumper is agonizing.
Simmons has been impressive defensively since his rookie year and continues to improve. In the 2019-20 NBA season, he led the league in steals and was named to the All-Defensive First Team. Largely because of his efforts, the Philadelphia 76ers ranked second in defensive rating (107.6) behind the LA Lakers in the 2020-21 season.
Although it remains unclear where Simmons will play during the 2021-22 NBA season, he will continue to be one of the top-rated defenders. Who knows? He might soon be awarded the NBA Defensive Player of the Year honor.
#1 Rudy Gobert
Rudy “Stifle Tower” Gobert is currently the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, his reward for helping the Utah Jazz maintain a solid defense. He had the most rebounds (960) and blocks (190) in the 2020-21 season.
Gobert is undoubtedly the best rim protector in the NBA right now. But his flaw was exposed when he had to play against the small lineup the LA Clippers fielded, which forced him to attempt perimeter defending.
While he made an incredible clutch block on Marcus Morris’ 3 point attempt in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semi-finals, he struggled to keep up throughout the rest of the series. Regardless, Gobert could be on his way to an incredible 4th DPOY in five years.
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