Anthony Davis has long been recognized as one of the most impactful defenders of his generation, and the numbers now confirm just how dominant he has been on that end of the floor. According to Crazy Stats, Davis leads the NBA in defensive stops across the last 15 years, a testament to his two-way brilliance even while navigating an injury-riddled career.
1. Anthony Davis – 2,318 defensive stops
2. Chris Paul – 2,200 defensive stops
3. James Harden – 2,179 defensive stops
4. Russell Westbrook – 2,079 defensive stops
5. Paul George – 2,056 defensive stops
6. Kyle Lowry – 2,031 defensive stops
7. Draymond Green – 2,008 defensive stops
8, LeBron James – 1,968 defensive stops
9. Andre Drummond – 1,925 defensive stops
10. Mike Conley – 1,900 defensive stops
Defensive stops are defined as a combination of offensive fouls drawn, charges drawn, steals, and blocks recovered by the defense. In other words, they represent the kinds of defensive plays that end an opponent’s possession and swing momentum back in favor of a team. Leading the league in this category over such a long period illustrates Davis’ ability not just to defend well, but to directly disrupt and halt opposing offenses.
Anthony Davis sits at the top of the list with 2,318 defensive stops, more than any other player in the modern era. His career averages of 24.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game over 13 seasons showcase the consistency that has defined his career. Despite stretches of missed time, Davis’ impact when on the court has been undeniable. He owns five All-Defensive selections, two First Team and three Second Team, and was a Defensive Player of the Year runner-up once, while finishing in the top 10 four other times.
Right behind Davis is Chris Paul, whose defensive resume at point guard is second to none. Paul ranks second with 2,200 defensive stops across his 20-year career. His averages of 17.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 2.0 steals per game speak to his all-around excellence. What sets him apart defensively is his nine All-Defensive Team selections, including seven First Team nods. Now in his 21st and final season, Paul’s ability to hound guards and control possessions defensively has been unmatched among point guards in league history.
Third on the list is James Harden with 2,179 defensive stops, a surprising entry given the reputation he developed earlier in his career. Harden’s career averages of 24.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.5 steals reflect his well-rounded impact. While he will always be better known for his offensive wizardry, Harden’s quick hands and anticipation have allowed him to be a top-tier defensive playmaker, especially in terms of generating steals.
In fourth is Russell Westbrook with 2,079 defensive stops. The former MVP has career averages of 21.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.6 steals, numbers that highlight his relentless energy. Westbrook’s defense has always been fueled by his motor, crashing the glass, and creating havoc in passing lanes. His defensive impact, while sometimes overshadowed by his offensive explosiveness, has remained a staple of his game.
Fifth is Paul George, one of the league’s premier two-way wings of the last decade, with 2,056 defensive stops. George has averaged 20.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. With four All-Defensive Team selections and a DPOY finalist run, George has built his reputation as one of the NBA’s best perimeter stoppers, often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s top scorer.
Kyle Lowry checks in at sixth with 2,031 defensive stops. The gritty point guard, averaging 13.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.3 steals across his career, has long been known for drawing charges and his tenacity on defense. His impact in Toronto, where he helped lead the Raptors to a championship in 2019, was as much about his defense as his leadership.
Seventh on the list is Draymond Green, with 2,008 defensive stops. The anchor of the Golden State Warriors dynasty, Green has averaged 8.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. With seven All-Defensive selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2017, Green’s defensive IQ, versatility, and leadership have defined his Hall of Fame case.
LeBron James lands at eighth with 1,968 defensive stops. Across his unprecedented 23-year career, James has averaged 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks. While better known for his offensive dominance, James’ defensive peaks, including five All-Defensive First Team selections, showcased his ability to guard all five positions and rise to the occasion in big moments.
Ninth is Andre Drummond with 1,925 defensive stops. The two-time All-Star has averaged 12.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks over his career. While his role has shifted in recent years, Drummond’s rebounding dominance and rim protection made him a defensive force at his peak.
Finally, rounding out the top 10 is Mike Conley with 1,900 defensive stops. The steady veteran guard has career averages of 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.4 steals. Long considered one of the most underrated defenders in the league, Conley earned his only All-Defensive nod in 2013, though his reputation as a floor general on both ends has been respected for over a decade.
Together, this list blends superstars and role-defining defenders, but Anthony Davis’ place at the top highlights his unique mix of rim protection, mobility, and versatility that has made him one of the defining defensive players of his generation.
