On a recent episode of The OGs podcast, four-time NBA champion and former Finals MVP Andre Iguodala revealed his top five defenders of all time. However, the segment took an unexpected twist when Iguodala removed San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan from his list at the very last second.
(Cleaned up for better understanding)
“I got Scotty 100%, for sure. I gotta put Hakeem up there. Hakeem got a quadruple-double. Hakeem is different.”
“I never say I’m really good at something. I always say, like, I’m not worthy of none of that. I was really good at defense, but I’m not putting myself up there. I was really good at defense.”
“Lou Williams, shout out to Lou, he gave me a compliment one time during the game. I lost sight of my guy, backdoor cut, and I lost him. He was gone, and I was off his space. And Lou was like, ‘Yo, don’t worry about it, I got you,’ and I got there before Lou, and Lou was over there with him.”
“After the game, Lou was like, ‘Man, I know they be talking that defensive s**t about you, fam. Like, I ain’t really get it. I ain’t really get that.’ He was like, ‘Fam, I don’t need to see nothing else.’ He was like, ‘I never seen nothing like that before.’ I’m like, ‘What you mean?’ He was like, ‘Fam, I ain’t never seen that in my life. You really one of the best defenders I’ve ever seen.’ I was like, ‘Oh, I appreciate that, fam.'”
“I’m not putting myself up there. I gotta put it up to John Stockton. Ah, I’m lying, you know I’m putting there Chris Paul. Chris Paul is like that. I’m bugging, ‘cause he’s the best defender of all time to me—Dennis Rodman.”
“He can guard anybody. He was guarding Magic. He’s picking Magic up full court. Picking up Magic full court, and then he was guarding Shaq. Dennis Rodman can guard Shaq. And then, and then he’ll switch out on AI. We ain’t never seen that, ever. We ain’t never seen that, ever. Then I gotta show love to—’cause he don’t get enough love—Tim Duncan.
“No, I’m taking Tim Duncan out, I’m tripping, because Coach cursed us out at halftime every time we played this team, and he said, ‘Y’all playing like some P-word.’ I’m trying not to curse. He said, ‘Y’all playing like some pussies.’ He said this, I’m quoting, so this is not me. ‘Y’all playing like some pussies. Y’all scared to go to the paint.’ Man, him and Shaq going at it right now. (Dwight)”
“But like, I saw Scotty do something that’s never been done before. Chris Paul definitely doesn’t get enough credit. Dennis Rodman might be the best defensive player of all time. Man, that was crazy. And then Hakeem was just—people don’t know how good Hakeem was. Hakeem was different. And then Dwight.”
The first name Iguodala confidently locked in was Scottie Pippen. Known for his suffocating perimeter defense and ability to guard multiple positions, Pippen was the defensive anchor for the Chicago Bulls dynasty. Iguodala pointed out Pippen’s unparalleled ability to disrupt opposing offenses, making him an easy pick for the list.
Next up was Hakeem Olajuwon. Olajuwon’s shot-blocking, agility, and IQ made him a force in the paint, and his ability to alter games defensively was second to none.
After reflecting on his own defensive prowess—but modestly excluding himself—Iguodala moved on to Chris Paul. While John Stockton momentarily came to mind, Iguodala corrected himself. Paul’s on-ball pressure and uncanny ability to generate steals earned him this spot in Iguodala’s all-time rankings.
The fourth spot on Iguodala’s list went to Dennis Rodman, whom he called the “best defender of all time.” Iguodala marveled at Rodman’s unmatched versatility. Rodman’s ability to guard every position on the floor cemented his legacy as one of the most unique defenders in NBA history.
Initially, Iguodala included Tim Duncan as his fifth pick, showing respect for the Spurs legend’s ability to dominate defensively without relying on athleticism. Duncan’s impeccable positioning, rim protection, and leadership made him a staple in discussions about all-time great defenders. However, Iguodala reconsidered, removing Duncan in favor of Dwight Howard.
Citing a memorable encounter during his career, Iguodala explained the shift. For Iguodala, Howard’s peak—marked by three Defensive Player of the Year awards—earned him the final spot.
While Tim Duncan’s exclusion may surprise some fans, Iguodala’s reasoning highlights his emphasis on versatility and game-altering impact. This list, peppered with anecdotes and respect for the game’s greatest defenders, is a testament to Iguodala’s deep understanding of basketball history.
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