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Over the past few years, wing defenders have become more in-demand in the NBA than ever before. While wing players have been historically expected to contribute on the offensive end, teams now want their wings to be able to lock down the best scorers on opposing teams, while also guarding the perimeter against the now-normal avalanche of three-point attempts.
The value placed on quality defensive wings was further highlighted last season as the Suns handed 34-year-old Trevor Ariza a one-year, $15 million contract - despite the fact that the former Houston star was clearly in decline. So with the demand for wings at an all-time high, here we will take a look at the top five wing defenders in the league right now.
#5 Danny Green - Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers had one of the worst defenses during the 2018-19 season, although the addition of Danny Green has helped transform LA's defense into one of the best in the NBA. The 32-year-old has provided the team with a wing that can contest shots on the perimeter, and despite enjoying some excellent offensive performances, Green remains a defense-first focused wing.
While Green's numbers don't exactly stand out, the 32-year-old has made two All-Defensive Second Teams in the past, and the veteran excels at closing down and contesting three-pointers.
Green is also more than happy to take on the assignment of locking down the opposition's best offensive player, and he will likely be tasked with containing the likes of James Harden when the playoffs roll around. Ultimately, LA's acquisition of Green was among the offseasons most underrated moves, and he remains well in his prime.
#4 Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks
Like several other players on this list, Giannis Antetokounmpo's excellent defense has been largely overlooked due to his offensive input, although the 24-year-old is currently among the frontrunners to be named Defensive Player of the Year. While Antetokounmpo is a monster when it comes to grabbing defensive rebounds, the forward is also extremely difficult to score against in isolation due to his lateral quickness and size.
This is one of the most underrated aspects of his incredible defense, and the MVP has also improved his tendency to close down empty space on the perimeter. At 24, he will only get better, and his status as one of the NBA's best defensive wings could be secure for the next decade.
#3 Jimmy Butler - Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler has averaged a respectable 16.7 points per game throughout his career, although the 30-year-old owes his status as one of the NBA's best players to his elite defensive skillset. Butler has never been named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, although he has been named to the All-Defensive Second Team on four occasions, and Butler is still arguably the NBA's best one-on-one defender.
Butler excels when tasked with shutting down the opposition's best scorer, and some of his famous lockdown performances on LeBron James still live in the memory of many NBA fans. The veteran is also able to play both wing positions, and the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum won't be looking forward to meeting him in the playoffs.
#2 Kawhi Leonard - Los Angeles Clippers
Kawhi Leonard has earned praise for his improved offensive game this season, although the Los Angeles Clippers defense remains the best aspect of his game. Leonard won back-to-back NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards in 2015 and 2016, and the 28-year-old's ability to lock down opponents was on full show during the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals as he disarmed the threat of the eventual MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
During his time in San Antonio and Toronto, Leonard was always been assigned to guard the best wing on the opposing team, and it is almost impossible to think of an example when the All-Star has failed to rise to the task and come out on top. Ultimately, for the first time in his career, Leonard is arguably not the best wing defender on his team, although he remains among the NBA's elite wings.
#1 Paul George - Los Angeles Clippers
Paul George's has transformed into one of the NBA's best two-way forces since completing a trade away from the Indiana Pacers back in 2017, although his defense remains the trademark of his game. The Clippers' defense has been scary at times since the 29-year-old returned from shoulder surgery earlier this month, and despite the presence of the also-elite Leonard, George has been assigned the best player on the opposing team.
Thanks to his agility, height, and high-defensive IQ, George has nailed the art of contesting shots on the perimeter, and he also excellent at hassling opposing players to come up with important steals. Ultimately, George may have missed the opening month of the season, although there is still no doubting his status as the NBA's best wing defender.
