Top 5 defenders on the Brooklyn Nets roster for the 2021-22 NBA season

#3 James Harden

James Harden plays for the Brooklyn Nets

James Harden is not just an offensive monster for the Brooklyn Nets but has also developed as a defensively sound asset. Often accused of being lazy on the defensive end during his Houston Rockets days, his season with the Nets has shown his efforts to eliminate this criticism.

The Beard, a three-time scoring champion, has averaged 25.1 points, 4.7 defensive rebounds and 3.7 turnovers in his career. His defensive abilities are divided into two specific skill sets.

The first is his tendency to execute impactful steals. Harden exerts pressure on ball handlers, pushing them to either make mistakes or lose possession. His career average of 1.6 steals per game is statistically not magnificent, but Harden manages to cause primary ball handlers of opposing teams to remain fearful of his disruptive steals.

The second defensive skill that has turned Harden into a great defensive asset for team Brooklyn is his post-up defensive abilities. As a 6'5" shooting guard, he can contest and stop bigger centers and forwards. The manner in which James roots his body and disbalances attackers is commendable, to say the least.

#2 Bruce Brown

Bruce Brown is an energetic defender who does not shy away from contact. His tenacity on the defensive end makes him the second-best defender on the Brooklyn Nets roster.

The 2021-22 season will be the fourth year in the league for this youngster but he is already cementing his position as an important role player. A 2018 second-round draft pick by the Detroit Pistons, Brown's job profile in Brooklyn involved unsettling attackers through his continuous pressure defense.

Not only can he stop driving lanes of slashers but also use a lock-down defense to limit perimeter shooting. It will be a thrill to see how this Brooklyn Nets youngling improves over the coming years.

#1 Kevin Durant

Los Angeles Lakers v Brooklyn Nets

A 6'10" shooting guard who can move like a point guard and post-up like a center, Kevin Durant is widely considered to be one of the best players in the current league. An absolute assassin on offense, KD's defense is no less lethal. He is undoubtedly not just the best scorer but also the best defender in the Brooklyn Nets.

He is the most influential defensive rebounder on the Nets roster, limiting the number of second attempts for opposition teams and increasing possession for his squad. He can guard any position on the court but is especially dangerous on the perimeter and on-transitions. His quick feet and long limbs allow him to lower attacking efficiency and block shots.