Top 10 perimeter defenders going into the NBA 2019-20 season

#3. Jrue Holiday, New Orleans Pelicans

That is how offensive players look when going against this guy

Remember how he harassed Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum in the playoffs two years ago?

Jrue holiday's assignment, minimum of 20 possessions, between the start of the season and 12 Nov 2018

This would sound outlandish, but if there was no Anthony Davis trade saga, and he played the whole year with no injuries and was motivated, Jrue Holiday may have very well become the first perimeter defender since Gary Payton in 1996 to win the defensive player of the year. He was on target until the Davis trade derailed everything. This year, let's hope he will mentor Lonzo Ball and guide Brandom Ingram and Zion Williamson to glory. The New Orleans Pelicans can be a fun team to watch.

#2. Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors

"Can I hold 10 tennis balls at the same time in one hand?"

Now this can be controversial. Leonard is already considered to be among the best perimeter defenders of all-time alongside the likes of Payton and Scottie Pippen. So how come he is not at the top the ranking? Fair.

On the other hand, he had a relatively poor defensive season -- by his standards. He didn't post as good a defensive rating as he should have, looked a bit slower coming back from injury and had a lot of help from his Raptors teammates on defense at times.

With all that being said, with the game on the line and only a point or two to defend on the final possession, he'd probably be the one player you'd pick to defend the opposition's best player. He is one of the most clutch defenders out there, and this year he might become the undisputed best once again. And if he leads Clippers to an NBA title, he has a legitimate claim to being considered a top 10 of all time.

#1 Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics

Good Luck getting past me

Marcus Smart is the heart and soul of the Celtics defense. His strength amazes, his perseverance is unbelievable, and defensive IQ is up there with the best. We would recommend this once this year -- watch a Boston Celtics game but only focus Marcus Smart all the time. You might learn more about defense than what most coaches can teach in a month. He switches multiples times, is never taking a defensive break and his closing out is legendary. Smart, the toughest guy in the league.