Last season, I ranked the top 100 defenders in the NBA. To my knowledge, It was the first time that a list like that had been attempted. And while I believe it is the best list out there, this season’s edition has made marked improvements. 

This second try still isn’t perfect, but the goal of this project is to increase awareness of the terrific defenders in the league and the importance of that side of the ball. Last year’s list accomplished that task. This year’s list hopefully will, too. 

A little bit about the methodology because it has changed from last year. In the past, I tried to keep an even mix of guards, wings and big men spread throughout the list. I used a combination of eye test, wisdom of the crowd and advanced metrics to determine my rankings.

Most people said they would prefer a more subjective list of who I think the best defenders are, based completely on eye test. I watch as much of the NBA as anyone, and I do have a good feel for who is good and who is bad. So that’s what I’m giving you this year. No advanced stats, nobody else’s opinions — just my own list of the guys who I think make the biggest impact on defense. 

Part I of this story runs from No. 11 to No. 100. Part II, which is now live, covers the top 10.

NBA POSITIONAL RANKINGS: PG | SG | SF | PF | C

The best defenders in the NBA: 11-100

Top 11-25 defenders

Joel Embiid’s 7-5 wingspan makes him one of the best rim protectors in the league. Opponents shot 10.5 percent worse within six feet of the rim against him last season, per Crafted NBA, ranking in the 94th percentile of all players. Watch the games, and you’ll see players pulling the ball out because they are afraid to challenge him. The same can be said for Jaren Jackson Jr., Brook Lopez, Walker Kessler and Jarrett Allen. 

Chet Holmgren was the most controversial member of last year’s list. Many were upset that an unproven rookie could be considered a top 100 defender. It turns out that his No. 63 ranking was way too low. Holmgren’s 2.3 blocks per game were tied for fourth in the league. 

Isaiah Hartenstein and Evan Mobley are good rim protectors as well, but their best skills lie in other areas. Hartenstein rarely makes mistakes and understands exactly where he’s supposed to be. He would have had a great shot at making an All-Defensive team last season had he played in enough games to qualify. Mobley flies around the court, teleporting out to shooters and reappearing at the rim. 

Wing defense isn’t considered as impactful, but O.G. Anunoby finds ways to change that narrative. He can guard anyone, and he’s one of the best ball-hawks in the league. So is Kawhi Leonard, who improved his defensive intensity last year and still has those huge hands that can rip the ball away from anyone. Jaden McDaniels wins on second, third and fourth efforts. He’s said that his goal is to ruin his opponents’ days with his suffocating style. 

Aaron Gordon deserves special praise as one of the most under-discussed defenders on this list. He does all the dirty work for the Nuggets, guarding the best opposing player no matter their size, quickness and skill. Ausar Thompson will one day surpass him while doing similar things. His athleticism and instincts allow him to make plays that no one else can.

The toughest position to make an impact at is guard. You have to be truly special to be one of the best. Jalen Suggs and Derrick White easily fit that description. Suggs is a deflection machine who is tough to screen and has remade his career as a pest. White is the best shot-blocking guard since Dwyane Wade and moves his feet as well as anyone on the perimeter. 

MORE: Expert NBA award predictions for 2024-25 season

Top 26-50 defenders

Some of the players on this list are obvious inclusions. Marcus Smart, Paul George, Jimmy Butler and Matisse Thybulle have made multiple All-Defensive teams. Dillon Brooks and Mikal Bridges have made one. Lu Dort‘s “Dorture Chamber” nickname is well-earned — he is going to bring the heat and make you uncomfortable. Jayson Tatum is the team’s best wing defender on some nights. Some of these guys are no longer at their peak, but all are still tremendous when locked in.   

Others you may not have heard of. Dyson Daniels has the best technique in the league, cutting off drives with superb footwork. Toumani Camara has been called “a one-man defense” by Blazers teammate Scoot Henderson. That’s a well-justified statement. Keon Ellis forced his way into the Kings’ rotation due to his stifling perimeter defense. Mark Williams is a terrific leaper who can move his feet well at 7 feet tall. 

Then there are the older heads who keep on finding ways to get stops. Kyle Anderson proved during the playoffs that he is one of the best defenders on elite wings like Luka Doncic. Kevin Durant doesn’t get enough praise for his weak side rim protection. 

UPDATED NBA PLAYER RANKINGS: Where LeBron, Curry and other stars land ahead of 2024-25 season

Top 51-75 defenders

Four Celtics make this part of the list, giving them seven of the league’s top 75 defenders. Jaylen Brown is a new addition to this list. He improved massively both on and off the ball last season. Al Horford continues to be a dependable big man, and Xavier Tillman has great size and better footspeed. 

Scottie Barnes jumped up 24 spots in this year’s list. He did a nice job on the top wings in the league and provided great weak side rim protection. 

Lonzo Ball is a new addition this year. Back when he was fully healthy a few seasons ago, he would have been a lot higher. He could guard up in position, get a ton of deflections and know exactly where the ball was going to go. Ben Simmons has also seen his defensive impact diminish due to injuries. He dropped 30 spots from last season, which is the biggest fall of anyone inside the top 50. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is another newcomer. His defense was on the disappointing side for the previous few seasons. He was miles better last year, finishing tied for the league lead with 2.0 steals per game. He’s much better in that ballhawk role, picking off passes for easy scores the other way.  

Vince Williams will pick up full court and nobody is getting by him on the perimeter. He guarded everyone from Tyrese Haliburton to Kevin Durant last year. 

SN’s NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule

Top 76-100 defenders

Deuce McBride, Keegan Murray and De’Aaron Fox have all made great strides to make their first top 100 list. McBride is limited by his short height but lockdown on the perimeter and gives great effort. Murray quietly turned into the Kings’ best wing defender last season. Fox has overcome a reputation as a lackluster defender to really bring it on that end of the floor. He also led the league in steals. 

Donte DiVincenzo, Ayo Dosunmu and Davion Mitchell are ready and willing to muck up whatever other teams are trying to run. They will get in your grill and not back down. 

Myles Turner was the biggest faller of anyone in the top 100, dropping 49 spots. He is still a good rim protector but not near the All-Defensive caliber of a few seasons ago. Pascal Siakam has the tools to be great and can make huge plays, but his focus isn’t always there. 

Nikola Jokic doesn’t look the part of a great defender, but his teams always perform better with him on both ends of the floor. He has great hands, good anticipation and a fun quirk of kicking the ball to force teams into restarting against a set defense. 

There are some good 3-and-D wings among this group, filling one of the most important roles in the league.

Bruce Brown won’t back down from anyone. Dorian Finney-Smith has great size and tools on the wing. Cameron Johnson has improved from the skinny player who was getting targeted in the playoffs a few seasons ago. Nic Batum is a full-time power forward now but can still make heady plays. Deni Avdija took on the toughest assignments for the Wizards and did a better job than you’d think. Javonte Green plays a lot bigger than his 6-5 height due to his athleticism and toughness.