NBA: Ranking the careers of the 7 perimeter defenders that won DPOY

#5 Alvin Robertson

Alvin Robertson

Career Statline: 14.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.71 steals, 0.4 blocks per game

Career Honors: All-NBA Second Team (1986), Defensive Player of the Year (1986), 2xFirst Team All-Defense (1987, 1991), 4xSecond Team All-Defense (1986, 1988-1990), Most Improved Player (1986), 4 x All Star (1986-1988, 1991), 3x Steals Leader (1986, 1987, 1991)

Alvin Robertson was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 7th pick in the all-time great 1984 NBA draft (he would be off the draft board by the 4th pick on almost any other draft). After starting from the bench in his first season, Robertson was moved to the starting lineup in the 1985-86.

He had a breakout season that year, averaging 17.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 3.7 steals per game and making his first All-Star team. He was the steals leader in the league that year and was selected to the All-NBA Second Team, in addition to winning both the Most Improved Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards. He also became the first and only player to record a quadruple-double with steals in a game against the Phoenix Suns, with totals of 20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 steals.

Robertson was traded to the Bucks in 1989, where he continued his excellent play for more than 3 seasons before being traded to the Detroit Pistons. Going down with back injuries in the summer of 1993, Robertson's career was tragically cut short as he only played 1 more season of NBA basketball with the Toronto Raptors in 1995-96.

Robertson is the all-time leader in per-game steals at an average of 2.71 steals per game, and is recognized as one of the best defenders ever to play at the guard position.