Offense win games, but defense win Championships and even though most fans would rather see blowout wins with poster dunks and hundreds of attempts from beyond the three-point land, you just can’t win without good defenders on your team.
Point guards are arguably the most important players on any roster, as they’re the ones in charge of distributing the rock, sharing the wealth and make the offense flow through them, but they can also work as contagious defenders to make their teammates work harder on the defensive end of the floor.
Sadly, there are just a handful of good stoppers at the point guard position nowadays, with the league leaning towards more and more points per game, so today, we’re going to let you know about the top 5 defensive point guards in the league.
Honorable Mention: Ricky Rubio
5. Rajon Rondo
1.1 Steals, 0.2 Blocks, Defensive Rating 106.3, Def WS 0.027
When he’s locked in, Rajon Rondo has always been one of the most difficult guys to get past in the whole Association, especially during the clutch time or in the playoffs when he tends to take his game up a notch.
Rondo has never been much of a shooter or a scorer, but he’s one of the most skilled passers this game has ever seen, and his quick, long hands make him a defensive nightmare even when switching.
4. John Wall
1.4 Steals, 1.1 Blocks, 105.4 Defensive Rating, 0.039 Def WS
John Wall made the league due to his explosiveness, aggressiveness, athleticism and speed, but he’s grown to become one of the best two-way players in the league now that he’s become a terrific playmaker and has put a lot of effort on the defensive end of the floor.
His lateral quickness makes him a very suffocating defender and his speed and seemingly endless stamina allow him to thrive on full-court pressure, not to mention he’s deadly on passing lanes.
3. Chris Paul
1.7 Steals, 0.2 Blocks, Defensive Rating 103.8, Def WS 0.042
We all know Chris Paul for being the point god, the best point guard in the world and a first ballot Hall of Famer even if he’s never able to win a Championship or even make it to the NBA Finals.
His playmaking ability, handles and offensive versatility has made him one of the most dominant players in the league ever since his rookie year, and he’s always been among the league leaders in steals for a reason.
2. Patrick Beverley
1.7 Steals, 0.5 Blocks, Defensive Rating 105.4, Def WS 0.033
Patrick Beverley doesn’t bring up much to the table in the offensive end of the floor beside the occasional three-pointer and a couple of dimes per game, but boy, he’s one of the most hard-nosed defenders in the league.
Beverley’s just a mean dog, and he’s going to get into your face and your head since the first minute of the game. His grit and grind in the defensive end definitely help him back up all the trash talk he does night in and night out.
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1. Marcus Smart
1.3 Steals, 0.4 Blocks, Defensive Rating 99.4, Def WS 0.056
And the league’s best defensive point guard has to be Marcus Smart, a young man that won’t hesitate to put his body on the line and take a major hit in order to stop a fast break, and that won’t get caught up between screens regardless of how exhausted he is.
Smart’s aggressiveness makes him go all the way on every single loose ball, and he can guard 1 through 5 despite being extremely undersized. He’s strong, fast and has great lateral quickness, and if he’s ever able to consistently hit from beyond the arc, he’s going to be one of the best players in the league for sure.
