- There are 10 elite defenders who can handle all five positions in the NBA
- Basketball has changed and versatile defenders are needed for a team to be successful
- Most of the best defensive stars in the NBA are considered positionless talents
The concept of positional flexibility has emerged as a defining characteristic of modern NBA basketball. While traditional positions like point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center were once rigidly structured teams, today’s NBA is witnessing a shift towards a more adaptable style of play and there are a select group of NBA players who can legitimately guard all five positions on the court.
These players are not confined by the traditional labels that once dictated their roles on the hardwood. Instead, they possess the unique skill set, athleticism, and basketball IQ necessary to match up against a variety of opponents, from lightning-quick point guards to towering centers.
This article will take an in-depth look at this elite list of NBA athletes who can guard all five positions, dissecting their multifaceted skill sets, examining their impact on their respective teams, and exploring the broader implications they have on the ever-changing landscape of professional basketball. Here are the only 10 players in the world right now who can defend all players that are guards, forwards, and centers.
10. Kevin Durant
2022-23 Statistics: 0.7 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 2.1 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
Kevin Durant is a far greater scorer than he is a defender, evidenced by the fact that he has four scoring titles to his name and averaged 29.1 points per game last season with the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns. However, in terms of pure ability, he is one of 10 players who have the size, athleticism, and basketball IQ to defend all five positions in the NBA when required to do so.
Kevin Durant, often regarded as one of the most versatile players in the NBA, undoubtedly deserves a place among the elite group of players who can guard all five positions on the court. Let’s delve into an analysis of why Kevin Durant belongs to this select group:
Standing nearly 7 feet tall with an impressive wingspan, Durant possesses the physical attributes that allow him to match up against both guards and forwards. His height and wingspan make it challenging for opponents to shoot over him, contesting shots effectively.
Despite his height, Durant boasts exceptional lateral quickness and agility. He can stay in front of speedy guards on the perimeter, making it difficult for them to blow past him. This agility also helps him navigate through screens and close out on shooters, and he is a decent shot-blocker posting 1.4 blocks per game last year.
9. LeBron James
2022-23 Statistics: 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 2.4 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
Similar to Kevin Durant, LeBron James is a far greater offensive player than he is a defender, especially at his age. The King did make six All-Defensive Teams over his career, so he has the IQ and obviously the skill to be an elite defender. Most importantly, even at 38 years old, James can handle any position in the league due to his almost inhuman size and athleticism.
LeBron’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism is unparalleled in the NBA. Standing at 6’9” and weighing around 250 pounds, he has the physical tools to match up against players at all positions. He possesses remarkable speed and agility, allowing him to keep up with speedy guards on the perimeter.
Of course, The King’s basketball IQ is one of his greatest assets. He has an innate understanding of the game, which enables him to anticipate plays, read passing lanes, and make quick decisions on the defensive end. His 2.4 defensive win shares rating is an indication that the forward is more than capable of defending any player he switches onto.
8. Ben Simmons
2022-23 Statistics: 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 1.7 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
It is truly a shame that we aren’t seeing the best version of Ben Simmons at this moment in time. The former All-Star was once a dominant defender, making two All-Defensive Teams and suffocating even the best ball-handlers. However, Simmons has dealt with injuries and mental struggles which have taken him out of pocket. Hopefully, he can return to the court and show why he is one of the best defenders in the world.
Standing at 6’10” with impressive athleticism, Simmons possesses a unique combination of size, speed, and agility. This allows him to match up against players of different sizes and skill sets. The Australian is known for his ability to guard perimeter players effectively. He can stick with quick point guards, contest shots from outside, and use his length to disrupt passing lanes.
Unlike most other players on this list, Simmons excels in transition defense, using his speed to get back on defense quickly and disrupt fast-break opportunities for the opposing team. His defensive awareness often results in steals and easy scoring opportunities for his own team in transition. With his muscle-bound physique and size, Simmons can return and be a contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award if he gets his act together.
7. Anthony Davis
2022-23 Statistics: 1.1 SPG, 2.0 BPG, 3.4 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
Anthony Davis’ offense frustrates Lakers fans sometimes because he tends to disappear throughout a season, but if there is one thing that has been relatively consistent for his skills, it is the big man’s defense. At 6’10” with an impressive wingspan, Davis possesses the physical attributes that allow him to defend a wide range of opponents.
He has remarkable lateral quickness and agility for a player of his size. This enables him to stay in front of perimeter players, contest shots effectively, and guard guards and forwards on the perimeter along with being an exceptional shot-blocker. His timing and leaping ability allow him to swat shots at the rim, making him one of the league’s premier rim protectors.
Most impressively, Davis’s basketball IQ is evident in his ability to read plays, anticipate passes, and make smart defensive rotations. He understands the nuances of team defense and helps anchor his team’s defensive strategies. Averaging 2.0 blocks per game and a 3.4 defensive win shares rating, the Los Angeles Lakers have a dominant defensive player in their lineup which is why they made the Western Conference Finals last year.
6. Pascal Siakam
2022-23 Statistics: 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 2.6 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
One of the most underrated defenders in the NBA, Pascal Siakam needs to get the respect he deserves for being a versatile defender. There aren’t many better athletes at the power forward position and he often occupies the position as a point-forward at times on offense due to his adaptability.
Siakam possesses impressive athleticism and length, standing at 6’9” with a wingspan that allows him to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes effectively. His agility and quickness make him a formidable defender when defending guards and forwards who have the ball. Despite his ability to guard on the perimeter, Siakam also provides value as an interior defender at 230 lbs.
Finally, Siakam’s relentless energy and effort on the defensive end set a tone for his team as he hustles for loose balls, contests shots, and embraces the challenge of guarding the opposing team’s best players. In terms of defensive effort, the 2019 NBA champion is one of the best in the league.
5. Kawhi Leonard
2022-23 Statistics: 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 2.2 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
The Los Angeles Clippers generally don’t want their best player defending opposing bigs, but that doesn’t mean 6’7”, muscle-bound 225 lb. Kawhi Leonard can’t do it. In fact, he is more than capable of handling most of the NBA’s modern centers.
Despite his primary role on the perimeter, Leonard can also provide an excellent interior defense. He can contest shots in the paint and has a knack for blocking attempts at the rim. With a wingspan approaching 7 feet, he has the physical tools to match up against players of different sizes and positions.
Kawhi Leonard’s basketball IQ is also exceptional. He reads plays, anticipates passes, and makes smart decisions on the defensive end. His understanding of team defense is evident in his rotations and help defense. Whether on or off the ball, Kawhi has a superstar impact on defense.
Finally, with two Defensive Player of the Year awards to his name, Leonard’s leadership on the defensive end goes beyond his individual skills. He sets the tone for his team with his commitment to defense, communicates effectively with teammates, and inspires them to give their best effort defensively.
4. Bam Adebayo
2022-23 Statistics: 1.2 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 3.8 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
Bam Adebayo often gets criticized for looking like an undersized center, but being agile and slightly less bulky allows him to be one of the best versatile defenders in the NBA. Luckily for Bam, most of the modern centers aren’t as massive and post-oriented as they used to be.
Standing at 6’9” with an impressive wingspan and remarkable athleticism, Adebayo possesses the physical tools necessary to guard different positions on the basketball court. His agility, speed and leaping ability allow him to move effectively. Despite being primarily a big man, Adebayo can guard on the perimeter.
Bam can switch between guards and forwards, contest shots, and use his lateral quickness to stay in front of his opponents. Adebayo’s ability to switch on screens and guard different players is a significant asset. It allows the Miami Heat to disrupt offensive plays and defend against pick-and-roll situations effectively. There might not be a better pick-n-roll defender in the NBA right now.
3. Aaron Gordon
2022-23 Statistics: 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 2.2 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
Aaron Gordon’s performances last season thrust him into the conversation of being one of the best defenders in the league. In terms of being the most versatile, he even ranks among the top three right now. No doubt, Gordon is renowned for his exceptional athleticism. He possesses impressive speed, leaping ability, and agility, which allows him to cover a lot of ground on the court and defend effectively.
Despite being primarily a forward, Gordon’s athleticism gives him the ability to guard perimeter players effectively. He can stay in front of quick guards, contest three-point shots, and use his athleticism to disrupt passing lanes. His build also translates well to interior defense. He can contest shots at the rim and provide a shot-contesting presence in the paint against taller players.
His athleticism and defensive awareness make him effective in transition defense, where he can quickly get back on defense and disrupt fast-break opportunities. Thanks to his role with the Denver Nuggets under Mike Malone, Gordon’s understanding of the game allows him to read plays, anticipate passes, and make intelligent defensive decisions.
2. Draymond Green
2022-23 Statistics: 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 3.1 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
Is there any surprise that the 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year who helped change the way the game is played appears in the top two? Playing for the Golden State Warriors under Steve Kerr’s stewardship has allowed Draymond Green to find his best role as one of the most versatile defensive players of all time. Even when Draymond doesn’t score, he is impacting the game through defensive leadership.
Green’s basketball IQ is off the charts. He reads plays, anticipates passes, and communicates effectively with teammates to ensure they are in the right positions defensively. When his teammates aren’t responding, his voice will certainly be heard to place them in the right positions.
No doubt, Green’s help defense is exceptional. He’s known for his ability to rotate quickly and provide rim protection despite his size. His recognition of when to leave his man to challenge shots or provide help is a key element of his defensive success. His active hands lead to numerous steals and deflections.
Overall, Draymond Green’s intensity and leadership are infectious. He sets the tone with his effort, motivates his teammates, and holds them accountable on both ends of the court. His leadership has been instrumental in the Warriors’ success over the past decade.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
2022-23 Statistics: 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 3.7 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
Giannis Antetokounmpo, referred to as the “Greek Freak,” has to be recognized as the most dominant and versatile player in the NBA today. His unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill has made him a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. The player possesses extraordinary physical attributes. Standing at 6’11” with an impressive wingspan, he has the size and length to contest shots, grab rebounds, and protect the rim effectively.
Despite his incredible size, Giannis has remarkable speed, agility, and lateral quickness. This allows him to guard perimeter players, contest three-pointers, and stay in front of his opponents on the perimeter. Over his career, Antetokounmpo is averaging 1.1 steals per game over his career.
Even if most might not see it, Giannis is an exceptional interior defender. His shot-blocking ability and timing make it challenging for opponents to finish at the rim. Averaging a career 1.3 blocks per game despite being a player with a heavy scoring and playmaking role, Giannis is an above-average shot-blocker who has the size to handle almost any opposing center in the league on a consistent basis.
