NBA Today: Top 5 wing defenders in the league right now

#2 Kawhi Leonard - Los Angeles Clippers

Kawhi Leonard is a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year winner

Kawhi Leonard has earned praise for his improved offensive game this season, although the Los Angeles Clippers defense remains the best aspect of his game. Leonard won back-to-back NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards in 2015 and 2016, and the 28-year-old's ability to lock down opponents was on full show during the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals as he disarmed the threat of the eventual MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

During his time in San Antonio and Toronto, Leonard was always been assigned to guard the best wing on the opposing team, and it is almost impossible to think of an example when the All-Star has failed to rise to the task and come out on top. Ultimately, for the first time in his career, Leonard is arguably not the best wing defender on his team, although he remains among the NBA's elite wings.

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#1 Paul George - Los Angeles Clippers

Paul George is a four-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team

Paul George's has transformed into one of the NBA's best two-way forces since completing a trade away from the Indiana Pacers back in 2017, although his defense remains the trademark of his game. The Clippers' defense has been scary at times since the 29-year-old returned from shoulder surgery earlier this month, and despite the presence of the also-elite Leonard, George has been assigned the best player on the opposing team.

Thanks to his agility, height, and high-defensive IQ, George has nailed the art of contesting shots on the perimeter, and he also excellent at hassling opposing players to come up with important steals. Ultimately, George may have missed the opening month of the season, although there is still no doubting his status as the NBA's best wing defender.