Predicting the 5 best defensive teams heading into the 2021-22 NBA season

Defense continues to be one of the most important aspects in the NBA despite the game leaning towards offense in recent years.

The LA Lakers were crowned the best defensive team during the 2020-21 NBA season, with a rating of 106.8. However, they moved many players in the offseason, most of whom helped them reach the top spot in defensive rankings last season.

It's doubtful Lakeshow will claim their throne next season, as most of their players are more dominant at the offensive end. They also do not have many young legs, with most of their players aged 32 or more.

It'll be interesting to see how a defensive-minded coach like Frank Vogel builds this team. As things stand now, the Lakers do not seem like a top-five defensive team for next season.

Quite a lot of teams have improved their defense this offseason. On that note, let's take a look at five teams that could find be ranked as one of top five defensive sides during the 2021-22 NBA season.

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#5 Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns huddle up during an NBA playoff game.

The Phoenix Suns retained most of their core for next season, re-signing the likes of Chris Paul and Cameron Payne. They finished as the sixth-best defensive unit during the 2020-21 NBA regular season. They were third-best in that department during the playoffs, which helped them reach the Finals.

If the Suns replicate their defensive exploits this season, they will have to be dominant at the defensive end once again. Considering how they played last season, they could repeat their exploits, and finish as a top-five defensive team next season.

Deandre Ayton matured massively during the 2020-21 campaign. If he continues his upward trajectory, the Suns could be a force to be reckoned with as a top defensive unit next season.

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#4 Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks celebrate during an NBA game.

The Atlanta Hawks saw their fortunes change after the hiring of Nate McMillan. The Hawks barely looked like a playoff team before McMillan came on board. They had a 14-20 record, and were seeded 11th in the East when the former Indiana Pacers coach took over.

However, he propelled them to the fifth seed last season, finishing with a 41-31 record. Improving the team's defense was key in their revival. Under McMillan, the Hawks could once again finish as a top-five defensive team in the league.

They have some solid players like Clint Capela and John Collins in the frontcourt. The Hawks also have the likes of Trae Young, Kevin Huerter and Bogdan Bogdanovic, who made massive strides in perimeter defense last campaign.

The Atlanta Hawks played with more intensity after the arrival of McMillan, which saw them reach the Conference finals in the 2020-21 NBA season.

#3 Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz in action during an NBA game.

The Utah Jazz improved a lot as an all-around team during the 2020-21 NBA campaign. That helped them finish with the best record in the league. The Jazz have most of their core players on their roster for next season, which makes them a strong favorite to finish in the top four in the Western Conference.

Their defense will be led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. The likes of Royce O'Neale and Bojan Bogdanovic will support him on the perimeter.

The Jazz finished last season as the third-best defensive team in the league. It wasn't easy for most teams to score against the Jazz from any spot. With most of their squad back, they have a great chance of ending the 2021-22 campaign as one of the five best defensive teams.

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#2 Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks in action during an NBA game.

The defending NBA champions, Milwaukee Bucks, are also among the teams expected to dominate at the defensive end next season. They did lose a solid defensive player - PJ Tucker - in free agency. But they still have the likes of Jrue Holiday, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis in their ranks.

The Bucks underperformed defensively last campaign, especially during the regular season. They finished the campaign as the ninth-best defensive team in the league. However, they improved significantly during playoffs, which helped them win the title.

The Milwaukee Bucks have tremendous size in their ranks, which gives them a distinct advantage. So it will be surprising to see them not finish next season as a top-five defensive team.

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#1 Miami Heat

Miami Heat huddles up during an NBA playoff game.

The Miami Heat had one of the best offseasons this summer. They added players like Kyle Lowry, PJ Tucker and Markieff Morris, which instantly boosts their defense for next season. They already have two all-defensive players in their ranks in Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.

Opposing teams could find it difficult to break through the Heat's defense this season, with Lowry and Tucker expected to start alongside Butler and Adebayo.

The Heat finished last season as the tenth best defensive team. They could fare even better this campaign if most of their players remain healthy for large swathes.