5 best defensive players in the NBA right now heading into the 2021-22 season

#3 Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks

There is a saying that offense wins games in the NBA, but a good defense wins championships. The overall defensive effort of the Milwaukee Bucks - led by Giannis Antetokounmpo - on their journey to the 2021 NBA championship proved that statement.

Giannis is an exceptional two-way talent, consistently showing his dominance on both ends of the court. The 2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year has been on an upward trajectory and is not showing any signs of slowing down. His lateral movement and impressive wingspan have made him a force on defense.

The play of the #NBAFinals so far was Giannis' block on Deandre Ayton in Game 4.Giannis became the only player to block a dunk attempt in clutch time of a Finals game over the last 25 seasons. pic.twitter.com/u9epTkGIpQ

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 16, 2021

It would be absurd not to mention Giannis' clutch block in Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Finals. It was even more impressive considering all he had to do to make that block. After helping Tucker block Devin Booker's driving lane and force a lob pass, he shuffled back to meet DeAndre Ayton at the rim to hold on to their 2-point lead late in the game.

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#2 Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers

Although Ben Simmons is painfully a burden on offense, he is a defensive juggernaut and has successfully locked down offensive maestros in the past. The NBA is now heavily reliant on shooting, which is why Simmons' poor jumper is agonizing.

Simmons has been impressive defensively since his rookie year and continues to improve. In the 2019-20 NBA season, he led the league in steals and was named to the All-Defensive First Team. Largely because of his efforts, the Philadelphia 76ers ranked second in defensive rating (107.6) behind the LA Lakers in the 2020-21 season.

Although it remains unclear where Simmons will play during the 2021-22 NBA season, he will continue to be one of the top-rated defenders. Who knows? He might soon be awarded the NBA Defensive Player of the Year honor.

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#1 Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz

Rudy "Stifle Tower" Gobert is currently the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, his reward for helping the Utah Jazz maintain a solid defense. He had the most rebounds (960) and blocks (190) in the 2020-21 season.

Gobert is undoubtedly the best rim protector in the NBA right now. But his flaw was exposed when he had to play against the small lineup the LA Clippers fielded, which forced him to attempt perimeter defending.

Rudy Gobert is the 2020-21 DPOY 👏He’s only the 4th player in NBA history to win the award three times. pic.twitter.com/4HUFDKaFun

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 10, 2021

While he made an incredible clutch block on Marcus Morris' 3 point attempt in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semi-finals, he struggled to keep up throughout the rest of the series. Regardless, Gobert could be on his way to an incredible 4th DPOY in five years.