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Even as scoring is arguably the most important factor to win a game, NBA championships are decided by the superior defense. Several 21st-century players like Rudy Gobert have mastered the art and are lauded for their expertise.
While there are several parameters to judge a player's defensive prowess, shot-blocking is the most common. As a result, big men are more favored during considerations for defensive player recognitions.
While many claim that the NBA has gotten soft due to numerous foul calls with minimal contact, thereby reducing player aggressiveness, few players have continued their dogged approach to defending.
P.J. Tucker is the perfect example of a high-intensity defender as he is always willing to guard the opposition defender. Although he gets called for fouls often, he eventually succeeds in frustrating his opponent and ruining their rhythm.
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That said, here are the top ten 21st century defensive players in the NBA.
#10 Andre Iguodala
Andre Iguodala has been a stud on defense throughout his career, with his most notable run being the NBA's 2014-15 season. He was tasked with guarding the legendary LeBron James and did a decent job limiting the superstar.
Iguodala's success defensively earned him the 2015 NBA Finals MVP. The 37-year-old will play his 18th season with the Golden State Warriors, where he won three NBA championships. Although he is not as decorated as many players on the list, he has made two All-Defensive Teams.
#9 Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert is an elite rim protector and has won three NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards. The Frenchman's moniker is "The Stifle Tower," which is an accurate depiction of his presence on the court.
Gobert started his NBA defensive dominance in 2017 after leading the league in blocks. Since then, he has made consecutive NBA All-Defensive First Teams to date.
#8 LeBron James
People often overlook LeBron James' effort on defense because of his more impressive stats on offense. However, James can be a menace on the defensive end whenever he chooses. His size, speed, and strength give him the advantage to guard any position.
Age has caught up with the Akron native, so he is not as athletic as he was once. Regardless, he is arguably the best chase-down blocker in the league's history. James has made six NBA All-Defensive Team selections, with the majority of his accolades as a result of his efforts on the other end of the court.
#7 Draymond Green
Draymond Green is one of the top five active NBA players with a high basketball IQ. While others are more efficient at orchestrating the offense, Green uses his on defense to read the game and make stops.
The Golden State Warriors forward has come under fire on occasion due to his poor stats on offense. However, he is one of the most difficult defenders to play against in the NBA.
Green led the NBA in steals during the 2016-17 season and was awarded the NBA Defensive Player of the Year that same season. He has also been selected six times for the NBA's All-Defensive Team.
#6 Giannis Antetokounmpo
The NBA will forever remember Giannis Antetokounmpo as one of the most complete players to ever play the game. While there are arguments about him winning the 2019 NBA Defensive Player award over Rudy Gobert, the Greek Freak got to work and made sure he won it the following season. With his performance, he joined an elite class of players that have won the NBA MVP and DPOY awards in the same season.
Giannis' athleticism has set him apart from others. His chase-down block in the 2021 NBA Finals is a clear example of his athleticism and versatility.
With age on his side, it is expected that Giannis will make more NBA All-Defensive Team selections and perhaps DPOY. However, he is currently a 4-time All-NBA Defensive Team selection.
#5 Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard started his NBA career with the Orlando Magic and made an immediate impact, averaging a double-double in his rookie season. His efforts were recognized, resulting in his selection for the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Howard, in his prime, was perhaps the scariest defender to meet at the rim in an NBA matchup. Although he has not been as dominant in recent years, he still shows glimpses of his shot-blocking ability.
In 2009 and 2010, Howard led the NBA in blocks, which was the start of every major defensive award the big man got later down the line. The 35-year-old has is a 3-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, 5-time rebounding leader, and 5-time All-Defensive selection.
#4 Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard is not popular for his defensive abilities. However, he is an elite lock-down defender and has shown it on several occasions.
Leonard has bagged two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards. While it might not seem like much, it is a big deal considering that he plays as a small forward. He led the league in steals during the 2014-15 season and has also made the NBA All-Defensive Team.
#3 Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan was the kind of NBA player that did not go for the spectacular on defense. However, his input made him one of the best defensive players in the NBA during his era.
Of his 19-year career, he was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team a record 15 times. Although he never won the Defensive Player of the Year award, his contributions on defense guaranteed his team 5 NBA championships. He also averaged 2.2 blocks per game throughout his career.
#2 Kevin Garnett
Things always got intense whenever Kevin Garnett was on the court because of how he approached the game. He was one of the fiercest competitors the NBA has ever seen as he leaves it all on the court every night.
Garnett signed with the Celtics in 2007 to form a big three with Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. It seemed like he was the missing piece as they went on to win the 17th NBA championship for the Boston Celtics.
That same season, Garnett won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. In the four years before the 2007-08 season, he was the league's rebounding champion.
Garnett made 12 All-NBA defensive selections, nine of which were for first teams. He finished his career with 10.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.3 steals.
#1 Ben Wallace
Ben Wallace is undoubtedly the best defender of the 21st century in the NBA. He was not a major contributor on offense as he finished his career averaging 5.7 points per game. However, his 2.0 blocks per game career average should give you an idea of how dominant he was defensively.
It is even more impressive considering that he was an undersized center that stood at 6"9. Meanwhile, his height was not a deterrent, as he led the NBA in rebounding for two consecutive seasons (2002 & 2003). He also led the league in blocks during the 2001-02 season.
Wallace made NBA All-Defensive Team selections for six consecutive seasons. He also won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award four times during his career.
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