NSL Premium: Elite defensive players & teams

Defense is the most underrated, underappreciated impact a player can have on a game. Statistically, we see it as blocks and steals and rebounds from an individual, and perhaps opponent’s field goal percentages. For teams, we see it as points allowed, opposition field goal, rebounding and a collective of those block and steal statistics.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the best defensive teams in the league:

Points Allowed (fewest)

1. Portland 92.29

2. Detroit 96.32

3. San Antonio 97.8

4. LA Clippers 100

5. Charlotte 100.83

Steals

1. San Antonio

2. Portland

3. LA Clippers

4. Memphis

5. Detroit

Blocks

1. Philadelphia

2. Detroit

3. Phoenix

4. Chicago

5. Toronto

Rebounds Per Game

1. Portland

2. Detroit

3. New York

4. Chicago

5. San Antonio

However, this article doesn’t want that generic statistical rubbish. We are here to see the stat-stuffers; the players who are making it known each and every game they are the best player on the court on the defensive end. The following players will very likely contend for the official defensive award of the league, the Defensive Player of the Year, and immortalise themselves as an elite defender.

Joel Embiid

Key numbers: 2.8 blocks, 1.3 steals, 17.7 rebounds
Key strengths: Being enormous, competitive and highly co-ordinated

He has just a strong of a case for MVP as Giannis or Curry or any player does, if not for Indiana’s fairly average record. (although they are on the up). He impacts the defensive end as much as any player in the league, with 4.1 stocks and a league leading rebounding rate. The team depends on him for almost everything and he is delivering admirably. Has totalled 20 defensive rebounds in four games and blocked seven shots for a career/season high against the Spurs.

Giannis

Key numbers: 2.2 blocks, 1.9 steals, 14.6 rebounds
Key strengths: Being one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen

He is as big of a competitor as we have in the league, he’s arguably the most athletic when you consider wingspan and speed and vertical and strength, hes the most coordinated 7-footer in the league and he is a mad-dog every single night on the court, wanting to end the other team. His willingness to compete would be enough to make an impact, but he has terrific instincts in passing lanes, springing to action to make steals and deflections and starting offense going the other way. He can guard every single position effectively, something no other player boasts.

Rudy Gobert

Key numbers: 2.7 blocks, 14.4 rebounds
Key strengths: Extreme height, length and blocking instincts

The Stifle Tower, Monsieur Rudy Gobert, is balancing the defensive end of the court with Kyrie’s offensive brilliance. It’s a wonderful pairing, with Rudy’s skillset totally complementing Kyrie’s. Gobert is a former DPOY and can cover more space with his wingspan, height and speed than any other player in the league and likely the world. His jumping skill and instincts are unrivalled, he gobbles up every defensive rebound and he causes chaos in the passing and driving lanes.

Jimmy Butler

Key numbers: 2 steals per game
Key strengths: Being arguably the toughest dude in the league, strength, work-ethic

Damian Lillard has come in and become the undisputed Alpha on the offensive end for San Antonio, but on the other end of the floor, Jimmy Butler is the man. My most favourite player of all the ones I have traded and let go, Jimmy is such an Alpha he even makes Jrue Holiday, considered arguably the best perimeter defender in the league, fall in line behind him. His swagger, toughness and competitiveness ignite the whole Spurs team on the defensive end. The man is a winner and it all stems from his toughness and work ethic.



Kawhi Leonard

Key numbers: 1.8 steals (in 29 minutes) per game
Key strengths: defensive savant, positional versatility

Kawhi is the best defender on the best defensive team, so regardless of a lack in gaudy numbers (mostly due to minutes played), he is a walk-up start to this list. His calling-card as a rookie was his size and defense and he is one of the best perimeter defenders of the last few decades. Despite some defensive focus making way for his increased offensive load and skillset, he still arguably holds the reputation for the best defender in the league. Incredible size and length for a small-forward, and strength, he is an immovable object when it comes to lateral movement and containing his opponent.

Ben Simmons

Key numbers: 2 steals, 1.3 blocks

Key strengths: ridiculous size + strength + quickness combination

3.3 combined stocks (steals + blocks), or bloals for the more alternative fan who likes to be edgy, are close to a league high. Simmons can play passing lanes with his speed, intercept passes with his size and cause disruption and turnovers with his strength and ability to be immovably agile. Much like Kawhi, the lateral quickness + the dense, muscular frame makes it hard to players, who are typically smaller, to brush past and avoid the contact and impasse that they cause. At the point guard position, hes a top-5 mismatch and monster defender in the league. His point guard smarts allow him to read the play with great affect.