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The NBA is back and fans would be excited about all the new rosters. This is arguably the first time in the past few seasons that the NBA looks so wide open. This also means that fans are assessing the strengths and weaknesses of teams, and that means lists of the best players in each positions. With this in mind, let's let's take a look at the top 10 perimeter defenders this season.
Basketball is equal parts offense and defense. A good defense works at stopping scoring both in the paint and on the perimeter. But judging perimeter defense is one of the toughest things to do, especially when making a top-10 list.
This is because there are so many metrics and intangibles involved. And what weightage would one give to each metrics. For example, last season LeBron James did well in advanced metrics that analysed perimeter defense, but he wasn't one of the better defenders out there.
With that being said, let's dive into our list. The list is divided into four parts, with only the top 10 being discussed in detail.
Honorable Mentions: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mike Conley, Josh Okogie, Jaylen Brown, Ricky Rubio, Derrick White, Cory Joseph, Fred Vanvleet, Dany Green, PJ Tucker
Just missed the cut: Gary Harris, Thaddeas Young (because of his age), Draymond Green, Ben Simmons
Top-10 caliber players coming back from injury: Victor Oladipo, Andre Roberson, Robert Covington, OG Anunoby
#10: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors
Pascal Siakam's defense was one of the major factors that helped Toronto to the NBA finals. His on-ball defense, versatility in guarding all five positions and his 'help defense' all are upper echelon.
His defense was extremely important for the Raptors in dealing with the oversized wings of the Philadelphia 76ers and the Milwaukee Bucks. He plays like a machine, relentless at all times. His long arms and his reading of the offense also make him one of the best help defenders out there.
But, with Kawhi Leonard gone, he would be the focal point on offense this year and this might take him off defense more than last season. The Raptors were an excellent team last year, and are likely to be once again considering that there are two more Toronto players in this list -- and Danny Green is not one of them.
#9. Lonzo Ball, New Orleans Pelicans
Lonzo Ball's defensive aptitude in reading opposition offense is amazing, while his defensive recovery is amongst the best in the league. He was underrated in defense last year, but with time is getting the recognition he deserves.
With great temperament, reduced pressure, great young teammates and a great defensive mentor in Jrue Holiday, he could make the All-NBA Defensive Team this year. He is great at getting steals in passing lanes, but he still has to improve his on-ball defense, which will come with experience.
#8. Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
Still, one of the most underrated defenders in the league, Kyle Lowry is a menace. Often the smallest person on the court, he covers it with his speed, athleticism, defensive IQ and tenacity.
One of the most hard working players in the league, Lowry's defense was an integral part of Raptors winning last year. The irony is that he might be a better post defender than an perimeter defender. His strength and anticipation of taking a charge are incredible, but that's a discussion for another day.
#7. Eric Bledsoe, Milwaukee Bucks
Eric Bledsoe having the nickname "Mini Lebron" might be the most impressive thing in his career. But it's also impressive that the guy who was torched by Terry Rozier a couple of years ago would make this list. He feels like the defensive leader of Milwaukee at times even when Giannis Antetokounmpo was out there.
He is extremely competitive, to the point that he watches basketball films all the time to improve himself. He gambles by going for steals at times, but covers it up with his athleticism. He's also prone to losing his concentration if the things don't seem to go his way, but that is his only defensive weaknesses. His defensive persistence when locked-in is a thing to fear.
#6. Patrick Beverley, Los Angeles Clippers
He is the first Clippers player in the list, and there are a total of three in the top 10! Often dubbed as "Mr. 94 feet", it is a perfect nickname for Beverley. It feels like he can cover the court all by himself. He loves to pick guys full court (implied by the nickname), and when he is not defending the guys, Beverly -- one of the better trash-talkers in the game-- is annoying them at least. Last year he didn't have support in defense, but this year with great defenders in all three backcourt spots, it can be a great year for the Clippers.
#5. Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
To be fair, this is a tough choice. Jimmy Butler didn't have a good defensive year last season, but he has been one of the best perimeter defenders for so many years. Fans will be hoping he would be able to rekindle his old magic this year in Miami and won't have locker room issues. When he is not embarrassing teammates, he is haunting opposition wings.
#4. Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers
Here's the second Clippers player in the this list. Paul George had an overrated year last season, and that's not only because of that "bad shot" by Damian Lillard. He was a great defender, but nobody got as much attention as George received last year. He can be in the All-NBA defensive team while being overrated. But despite this, with his length, defensive IQ, and one-on-one defense, he deserves to make this list.
#3. Jrue Holiday, New Orleans Pelicans
Remember how he harassed Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum in the playoffs two years ago?
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
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
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.
Guess the Lakers players!
