Defense might not sell as many jerseys as flashy dunks and deep threes, but it’s what separates good teams from great ones. The 2024-25 NBA season has showcased some of the most consistent defensive performances we’ve seen in years from a select group of players, proving once again that stopping an opponent is just as valuable as scoring.
So who’s leading the charge on defense this season? We were getting ready to crown San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama with his first (of many) Defensive Player of the Year trophies as he was averaging 3.8 blocks per game, but he will, unfortunately, be shut down for the rest of the season. It can be heavily argued that Wemby is the best defensive player in the world when it comes to pure impact, but who else can earn that honor?
With the DPOY trophy in mind and also what some players have been consistently doing all year, we have collected the five best players per position so far in the 2024-25 season because they are defining what it means to be a lockdown defender in today’s NBA.
Point Guards
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
2. Jrue Holiday
3. Jalen Suggs
4. Alex Caruso
5. Kris Dunn
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has transformed from an offensive superstar into one of the most complete two-way players in the NBA. His 6’6” frame and massive wingspan allow him to suffocate smaller guards, while his quick hands (1.9 SPG) make him a nightmare in passing lanes. He’s been the leader of an elite OKC Thunder defense, proving that he’s not just a scorer but a legitimate lockdown presence who leads the NBA in defensive win shares (3.9).
Jrue Holiday remains one of the NBA’s gold standards for perimeter defense. The veteran point guard continues to take on the toughest backcourt matchups nightly, whether it’s slowing down superstar guards or switching onto wings. He holds an advanced stat of 1.9 defensive win shares and is averaging 1.0 steals per game while consistently taking on the challenge for the Boston Celtics every night.
Jalen Suggs has made an undeniable leap over the past two seasons, establishing himself as a relentless defender at the point of attack. His on-ball tenacity and ability to navigate screens make him a pest for opposing playmakers, and his improved off-ball awareness has helped the Orlando Magic maintain its defensive identity.
Alex Caruso and Kris Dunn round out the top five with their relentless energy and elite defensive instincts. Caruso continues to be a steal machine (1.7 SPG), often turning defense into instant offense, while Dunn has resurrected his career with the Clippers by embracing the role of a defensive specialist (1.7 SPG), shutting down opposing ball handlers with his physicality and strong lateral movement.
Shooting Guards
1. Dyson Daniels
2. Jalen Williams
3. Derrick White
4. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
5. Josh Hart
Dyson Daniels may not be the biggest name in the NBA, but there’s no denying his defensive impact. He leads all guards in steals per game (3.0 SPG) while consistently guarding the best perimeter players on the opposing team. At 6’7”, his size and mobility allow him to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots in ways most guards simply can’t.
Jalen Williams has taken his two-way play to another level, proving to be just as dominant defensively as he is on offense. His versatility allows him to guard positions 1 through 4, and his physicality in one-on-one matchups makes it difficult for opponents to create space. Williams’ ability to anticipate plays and make smart rotations has been crucial to OKC’s elite defensive scheme, and he ranks second in the NBA behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in win shares (3.5).
Derrick White and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope bring different styles of defense but are equally valuable. White excels in rim protection for a guard, ranking among the leaders in blocks per game (1.1 BPG), while KCP is the ultimate defensive role player, thriving as a disciplined, no-frills stopper who takes on top assignments every night.
Meanwhile, Josh Hart’s ability to rebound, hustle, and guard multiple positions makes him a perfect glue guy for any defense. Hart is averaging 9.7 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game for the New York Knicks and is having the best season of his career on the defensive end.
Small Forwards
1. Luguentz Dort
2. Amen Thompson
3. Dillon Brooks
4. Scottie Barnes
5. Mikal Bridges
Another OKC Thunder player, Luguentz Dort is the definition of a defensive bulldog. He has built his reputation on shutting down superstar wings, using his strong frame and quick feet to force inefficient shots. He ranks 22nd in defensive win shares (2.5) and is adding 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks per game for the NBA’s best defensive team.
Amen Thompson is making his name known around the NBA as a defensive menace for the Houston Rockets, using his athleticism and instincts to disrupt offenses. He’s already shown flashes of being a generational defender, covering ground like a prime Andre Iguodala. His ability to switch seamlessly from guarding point guards to wings makes him a defensive cheat code, and as his game matures, he could become a perennial DPOY candidate.
Dillon Brooks provides unique defensive value. Brooks is an irritant with the confidence to take on any challenge and is a key defensive wing for a Rockets side aiming for the playoffs. Like him or not, Brooks is a shutdown defender.
Scottie Barnes, meanwhile, uses his size and strength to be an all-around defensive force, capable of both shutting down wings and protecting the rim. He occupies many different positions in the Raptors’ lineup but averaging 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game puts Barnes in special company for a young player.
Mikal Bridges has had his struggles offensively but is still an excellent on-ball defender when it comes to staying with his man and also coming up with deflections. Posting 1.0 steals and 0.5 blocks per game, Bridges is often the man Tom Thibodeau deploys when dealing with elite scorers.
Power Forwards
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
2. Draymond Green
3. Jaden McDaniels
4. Jayson Tatum
5. Pascal Siakam
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains one of the most dominant defensive forces in basketball. His ability to protect the rim, switch onto guards, and recover in transition makes him invaluable. He’s averaging 1.3 blocks per game and remains a top-25 player in defensive win shares (2.4). His sheer presence alone alters how offenses attack, forcing teams to rethink their game plans.
Draymond Green may not have the same athleticism he once had, but his defensive IQ remains unmatched. He’s still the vocal leader of the Warriors‘ defense, calling out plays before they happen and directing teammates into the right spots. His ability to guard all five positions at a high level makes him a generational defender, and we expect to see his true impact as Jimmy Butler III continues to settle in.
Jaden McDaniels (1.4 SPG, 0.9 BPG) and Jayson Tatum (1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG) have excelled defensively for their respective teams. McDaniels’ ability to smother opposing wings has been a massive asset for the Timberwolves, while Tatum has taken a major leap on defense, using his size and strength to shut down elite scorers. Both forwards are tall, long, and athletic and deserve their names mentioned.
Pascal Siakam rounds out the list as an underrated defensive presence, using his length and mobility to make life difficult for opponents. Siakam is known for his scoring and passing ability more than anything else but we can’t deny his spot as a two-way power forward, posting 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks per game.
Centers
1. Victor Wembanyama (Out For The Season)
2. Jaren Jackson Jr.
3. Evan Mobley
4. Rudy Gobert
5. Bam Adebayo
Victor Wembanyama was and still is the best defender in the NBA. Even if he is out for the season, he played 46 games and we saw enough of a sample size to place him number one at his position. He was averaging 3.8 blocks per game when healthy and was the frontrunner for DPOY before blood clots in his shoulder ended his season. At 7’3′, Wemby is naturally dominant at blocking shots but his lateral movement is what makes him particularly effective. As soon as he returns next season, Wemby will lead the charge when it comes to defense.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is already a past DPOY winner, and this season he continues to dominate defensively as the new favorite for the award since Victor Wembanyama is shut down for the season. As it stands, JJJ remains the league’s premier defender behind Wemby (when healthy). His ability to alter shots in the paint (1.7 BPG) and step out to contest on the perimeter makes him a modern-day defensive anchor.
Evan Mobley’s defensive impact is undeniable. Averaging 1.6 blocks per game, his mobility for a big man is unmatched, allowing him to guard every position effectively. Whether it’s switching onto guards or holding his own in the paint, Mobley is a major reason the Cavaliers have one of the best defensive units in the NBA and are hungry for an NBA championship.
Rudy Gobert is still a dominant rim protector, but his lateral quickness has declined slightly. Even so, he remains among the leaders in blocks (1.5 BPG) and defensive win shares (8th with 2.9). Gobert might not win his 5th DPOY award this season but he is easily a top-five defensive center right now.
Bam Adebayo, meanwhile, is one of the most versatile defensive centers in the game, capable of switching onto guards and handling post-ups with ease. Bam ranks 15th in defensive win shares (2.7) and is adding 1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks per game as well.
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