Selecting the top defenders at every position for the 21st century in the NBA's All-Quarter Century Defensive Teams
Top Defensive Players of the 21st Century in the NBA, According to CBS Sports
The NBA has seen a plethora of defensive talent over the past two decades, and a recent CBS Sports All-Quarter Century Defensive Team has highlighted some of the standout performers. Here's a look at the chosen top defensive players at each position.
Point Guard: Jrue Holiday
Jrue Holiday has earned a unanimous selection as the premier defensive point guard of the 21st century. Known for his lockdown perimeter defense, Holiday has consistently guarded top scorers like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant with great success.
Shooting Guard: Tony Allen
Tony Allen set the standard for tenacity and perimeter defense at shooting guard. His disruptive style was so impactful that coaches like Steve Kerr took risks, such as defending him with their center, Andrew Bogut, to keep him off the floor.
Small Forward: Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard, a multiple Defensive Player of the Year winner, is widely regarded as perhaps the greatest perimeter defender ever. His long reach and ability to intimidate opposing ball handlers have made him a force to be reckoned with.
Power Forward: Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan, despite never winning Defensive Player of the Year, was chosen as the best power forward defender of the 21st century. Known for his versatility and ability to guard both inside and out, Duncan's defensive impact was crucial to the San Antonio Spurs' success.
Center: Ben Wallace
Ben Wallace, despite being undersized for the position, was chosen as the best center defender of the 21st century. Renowned for his shot-blocking and rebounding, Wallace's defensive prowess was on full display in the NBA Finals, where he held Shaquille O'Neal to just 26.6 points per game, a significant drop from his previous Finals averages.
Other notable mentions often recognized in defense include Dwyane Wade, praised for his shot-blocking ability as a guard, and Andre Iguodala, who won a Finals MVP for his defense on LeBron James. Draymond Green, a key component of the Golden State Warriors' defensive success, is also worth mentioning, as is Dwight Howard, whose defense took a team to the NBA Finals.
The panel of experts selected these players based on their consistent impact on defense, multiple All-Defensive Team honors, and defensive dominance in critical moments throughout their careers. These players have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the game of basketball.
[1]: Source for the CBS Sports All-Quarter Century Defensive Team [5]: Source for the ranking of Tony Allen as the best shooting guard of the 21st century by CBS Sports
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