10 Best Defenders in NBA History

In the NBA, defense is important to winning teams— the best defenders in NBA history are a testament to that. Defensive players are vaunted rim protectors who survey the paint, or perimeter lockdown artists who could shut down elite scorers. These legends have built their reputations on grit and toughness, hustle, and unmatched high IQ and defensive instincts.

In today’s game, NBA picks and NBA odds often favor high-scoring affairs; it’s easy to overlook the value of defense. But the greatest teams in history have all leaned on elite stoppers to seal games when it mattered most. These defenders didn’t just block shots or pile up steals—they altered the flow of entire offenses.

This list of the top 10 best defenders in NBA history dives into the players who redefined defensive excellence. If you’re building your all-time team or looking for impactful NBA picks and odds, these names are must-knows. Let’s break down the ultimate list of lockdown legends.

10. Draymond Green – High Basketball IQ

Position: PF/SF
Known for: Exceptional Basketball IQ, defensive mindset, excellent positioning
Accolades: 1× DPOY, 4× All-Defensive 1st Team, 4× All-NBA Defensive 2nd Team
*still active

Draymond Green is one of the best defenders in NBA history through his versatility, basketball IQ, and relentless intensity. Standing at 6’6″, Green may not fit the traditional mold of a big man, but his defensive impact is undeniable.

A 2017 Defensive Player of the Year and a multiple-time All-Defensive Team selection, Green has anchored Golden State’s defense. During their dynasty run, Green served as the vocal leader and emotional heartbeat of the team.

What sets Green apart is his ability to guard all five positions effectively. Whether he’s switching at the perimeter, or banging in the post, his anticipation and quick hands disrupt opposing offenses. His ability to read plays before they happen has made him a nightmare for even the league’s most efficient scorers.

Fans and analysts who monitor NBA betting lines note that Green’s presence often swings the odds in critical matchups. Many NBA betting sites factor in his defensive prowess when setting spreads and totals, proving just how influential he is. 

Green’s mix of physicality, leadership, and intelligence makes him a defensive force few can rival in NBA history.

9. Michael Jordan – The Black Cat is a Two-Way Menace

Position: SG
Known for: Lockdown defense, elite steals, clutch stops.
Accolades: 1× DPOY, 9× All-Defensive 1st Team

Michael Jordan is widely celebrated for his scoring brilliance, but his defensive impact is just as legendary. Known for his relentless competitiveness and unmatched athleticism, Jordan locked down some of the league’s top scorers during his era. He combined quick hands, elite footwork, and an unshakable defensive mindset to dominate both ends of the floor.

Jordan earned nine NBA All-Defensive First Team selections and was named the 1988 Defensive Player of the Year. His win was an incredibly rare feat for a guard, especially one who also led the league in scoring. His ability to read passing lanes and disrupt offensive flow made him a threat, often turning defense into fast-break points. He retired with over 2,500 career steals, ranking him among the all-time leaders.

More than just stats, Jordan’s presence elevated his team’s defensive identity. His one-on-one pressure, help defense, and clutch stops in key playoff moments were crucial to the Bulls’ championships. Whether guarding elite guards or wings, Jordan took pride in shutting down opponents, proving that he’s an elite two-way player.

8. Gary Payton – The Only Point Guard to Win DPOY to Date

Position: PG
Known for: Nicknamed “The Glove” for his lock-down defense.
Accolades: 1× DPOY (only point guard to win it), 9× All-Defensive 1st Team

Gary Payton, famously nicknamed “The Glove,” is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in NBA history. His tenacious on-ball defense, quick hands, and trash-talking swagger made life miserable for opposing point guards throughout his career. He remains the only point guard in NBA history to win the Defensive Player of the Year award, which he earned in 1996—a testament to his defensive dominance in a league typically dominated by big men on that end of the floor.

Payton was a nine-time All-Defensive First Team selection, showcasing his consistency and excellence over nearly two decades in the NBA. He wasn’t just a pesky defender; he was a lockdown specialist who could completely disrupt a team’s offensive rhythm. His ability to pressure full court, pick pockets, and force turnovers helped fuel fast breaks and momentum for his teams.

In an era filled with explosive guards, Payton’s physical style and relentless energy set him apart. He took pride in guarding the opposing team’s best player and never backed down from a challenge. His defensive reputation earned him respect from peers and solidified his place among the all-time greats in NBA defensive history.

7. Kawhi Leonard – The Klaw Clamps Down on Defense

Position: SF
Known for: Massive hands, shutdown defense, clutch steals.
Accolades: 2× DPOY, 3× All-Defensive 1st Team, 4× All-Defensive 2nd Team
*still active

Kawhi Leonard has earned his place among the best defenders in NBA history. “The Klaw” possesses a rare combination of physical tools, discipline, and defensive instincts. Standing 6’7” with an enormous wingspan and famously massive hands, Leonard disrupts offenses like few others can. His defensive dominance is both quiet and surgical—he doesn’t just guard opponents, he erases them.

Leonard is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year (2015, 2016) and has been named to multiple All-Defensive Teams. Whether locking down the perimeter or stepping into passing lanes, Kawhi makes high-IQ plays that don’t reflect on stat sheets. His ability to guard multiple positions and switch seamlessly in today’s positionless game makes him incredibly valuable on any roster.

He’s also known for his clutch defense in big moments. This includes shutting down stars in playoff series to making game-changing steals, Leonard’s defensive efforts tilt the outcome of games. His two-way impact, especially during the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship run, showcased just how vital his defense is to winning.

Calm, calculated, and in control, Kawhi Leonard redefined modern defense and is undeniably one of the greatest NBA stoppers.

6. Dennis Rodman – The Worm Does the Dirty Work

Positions: PF/SF
Known for: Elite rebounding, relentless hustle, guarding multiple positions.
Accolades: 2× Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), 7× All-Defensive 1st Team, 1× All-Defensive 2nd Team

Dennis Rodman lands sixth place on the best defenders in NBA history. “The Worm” is known for his unmatched intensity, rebounding dominance, and ability to guard virtually every position on the floor. Despite being undersized for a power forward at 6’7″, Rodman’s defensive instincts, footwork, and relentless energy made up for it. Moreover, he wasn’t just physical—he was smart, studying opponents’ tendencies and understanding angles better than most.

Rodman won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award twice (1990, 1991) and was an 8-time All-Defensive Team selection. His ability to shut down elite scorers and disrupt entire offensive systems were essential to both the Pistons and Bulls. Whether guarding centers or wings, Rodman used his quickness, strength, and mental toughness to outwork and outthink opponents.

Rebounding was a huge part of his defensive impact—he led the league in rebounds per game for seven consecutive seasons. This is a testament to his effort and positioning; Rodman didn’t need to score to influence games. His defense, hustle, and ability to tilt momentum made him invaluable for the teams he played for. 

His fierce competitiveness and defensive mastery helped him win five NBA championships and secure his legacy as a defensive icon.

5. Hakeem Olajuwon – The Dream is a Defensive Stopper

Position: C
Known for: All-time leader in blocks, quick feet, defensive instincts.
Accolades: 2× DPOY, 5× All-Defensive 1st Team, 4× All-NBA Defensive 2nd Team

Hakeem Olajuwon is one of the best defenders in NBA history, with his elite shot-blocking ability, footwork, and defensive instincts. At 7 feet tall, Olajuwon’s exceptional agility redefined the center position, combining rim protection with unmatched mobility. He still holds the NBA record for most career blocked shots with 3,830—a feat that showcased his basketball IQ.

Olajuwon won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award twice (1993, 1994) and earned nine All-Defensive Team selections during his career. His presence in the paint altered opposing game plans, forcing teams to avoid attacking the basket altogether. But Hakeem’s defensive greatness wasn’t limited to blocks; he had incredibly quick hands, allowing him to rack up steals and defend smaller, quicker players on switches—rare for a center.

His defense played a crucial role in leading the Houston Rockets to back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995, where he routinely shut down other elite big men. Olajuwon’s ability to anchor a defense, communicate, and execute in high-pressure playoff moments made him a generational talent. His balance of athleticism, discipline, and intelligence places him firmly among the greatest defenders the league has ever seen.

4. Dwight Howard – D12 is Superman in the Low Block

Position: C
Known for: Athleticism, shot blocking, presence in the paint.
Accolades: 3× DPOY, 4× All-Defensive 1st Team, 1× All- NBA Defensive 2nd Team

Dwight Howard earns fourth place among the best defenders in NBA history. Howard’s sheer dominance, athleticism, and consistency in protecting the rim made him a force during his prime. At his peak, Howard controlled the paint like few others. 

He won NBA Defensive Player of the Year award three straight times (2009–2011), making his mark as a defensive anchor. His explosive leaping ability, quick lateral movement, and impeccable timing made him a nightmare for anyone attacking the basket.

Moreover, Howard didn’t just block shots—he altered them, forcing opponents to rethink drives and settle for lower-percentage looks. He led the league in blocks twice and finished his career with over 2,200 blocks. Beyond shot-blocking, Howard grabbed rebounds with dominance, consistently ranking among the league leaders in rebounds, helping his teams secure possessions.

But what truly sets Howard apart is his ability to anchor elite defenses. During his time with the Orlando Magic, he carried the team to deep playoff runs, thanks to his defense. This included a trip to the NBA Finals in 2009, primarily by leading one of the league’s most suffocating defenses.

Howard’s physical tools, relentless energy, and defensive prowess make him one of the most impactful centers in the NBA.

3. Dikembe Mutombo – Mount Mutombo is Indomitable

Position: PF/C
Known for: Incredible team defense, positioning, shot blocking.
Accolades: 4× DPOY, 3× All-NBA Defensive 1st Team, 3× All-NBA Defensive 2nd Team, 8× NBA All-Star

Dikembe Mutombo is third on the list of the best defenders in NBA history. “Mount Mutombo” is known for his incredible shot-blocking, rebounding, and unmatched presence in the paint. Standing at 7’2″, Mutombo’s combination of size, length, and timing made him a formidable force on the defensive end. His signature move—pointing his finger and shouting “No, no, no!” after blocking shots—symbolizes his dominance as a rim protector.

Mutombo won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award four times (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001), acknowledging his defensive prowess. His shot-blocking ability is legendary, as he finished his career with 3,289 blocks, ranking among the all-time leaders. Additionally, he led the league in blocks for five seasons and was a consistent presence, altering attempts near the basket.

Beyond blocking shots, Mutombo was an elite rebounder, grabbing over 12,000 rebounds in his career. His defensive impact anchored top-ranked team defenses with his teams like the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, and Houston Rockets.

Mutombo’s indomitable presence in the paint cements legacy as one of the greatest defensive big men in NBA history.

2. Rudy Gobert – The Stifle Tower Looms Down Low

Position: C
Known for: Elite rim protection, team defense
Accolades: 4× DPOY, 7× All-NBA Defensive 1st Team
*still active 

Gobert established himself as one of the best defenders in NBA history through his elite shot-blocking, rebounding, and paint protection. Standing at 7’1″ with a 7’9″ wingspan, Gobert’s dominance in the paint, routinely altering or blocking shots. Moreover, players second-guess driving into the paint whenever Gobert is on the court since he can stifle their attacks. 

His defensive ability earned him three NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards (2018, 2019, 2021), showcasing his consistent dominance. Gobert’s shot-blocking prowess is unmatched, and his control over the glass made him an exceptional rebounder currently in the league. 

Moreover, he’s led the NBA in rebounds multiple times, and ranks among the league’s top rim protectors in blocked shots. His defensive IQ, timing, and ability to anchor team defenses make him invaluable to any squad.

As a defensive stalwart, Gobert also plays a key role in influencing NBA player prop bets. He’s particularly impactful in defensive categories like rebounds and blocks, where he showcases his skills in each game. Opponents often avoid driving into the paint when Gobert is on the floor, showcasing his intimidating presence. 

Overall, Gobert’s defensive consistency and defensive mastery have solidified him as one of the greatest defenders of his generation.

1. Ben Wallace – From Undrafted to Undeniable

Position: C
Known for: Undersized but dominant rim protector, rebounding.
Accolades: 4× DPOY, 5× All-NBA Defensive 1st Team, 1× All-NBA Defensive 2nd Team

Ben Wallace stands out as one of the best defenders in NBA history with his unmatched toughness, shot-blocking, and rebounding. At 6’9″, Wallace wasn’t the typical center, but his work ethic and defensive instincts made him a nightmare for opponents. 

He won NBA Defensive Player of the Year on four occasions (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006), proving his elite defensive prowess. Wallace’s ability to guard multiple positions, particularly in the paint, set him apart from other centers during his prime. 

He was a force around the rim, leading the league in rebounds and blocks multiple times throughout his career. Moreover, he was a defensive catalyst to the Pistons’ 2004 NBA championship; their suffocating defense stifled the Lakers’ offense.

What made Wallace truly special was his energy and leadership. He anchored the Pistons’ defense, making everyone around him better. His impact wasn’t just in stats; he altered opponents’ offense, forcing them to avoid the paint and adjust their strategies. 

Wallace’s grit, intensity, and commitment to defense made him a key figure in the NBA’s defensive elite. This, along with his accolades for an undrafted player solidifies his place as one of the greatest NBA defenders.