Where do O.G. Anunoby, Jayson Tatum, and Kawhi Leonard rank on the NBA’s top 100 defenders list (ranked 100–11) for 2024–25?
I listed the top 100 NBA defenders for the previous season. It was the first time a list like that had been attempted, as far as I knew. Even if I think it’s the greatest list available, this season’s version has significantly improved.
Although this is only the second attempt, the project’s aim is to raise awareness of the league’s excellent defenders and their significance on the defensive end of the ball. That was done by last year’s list. Hopefully, the list for this year will too.
A brief note on the approach, as it has evolved from the previous year. I used to try to distribute the guards, wings, and big guys evenly throughout the list. To make my rankings, I combined complex metrics, the wisdom of the audience, and the eye test.
The majority expressed their preference for a more individualized ranking of the top defenders, solely determined by an eye test. I do have a decent sense of who is good and who is awful because I watch the NBA more than anyone else. I’m giving you that this year, then. No sophisticated statistics, no outside viewpoints
NBA POSITIONAL RANKINGS: PG | SG | SF | PF | C
The NBA’s top defenders: 11–100
Top 11-25 defenders
| Rank | Player |
|---|---|
| 11. | Joel Embiid |
| 12. | O.G. Anunoby |
| 13. | Evan Mobley |
| 14. | Jaren Jackson Jr. |
| 15. | Isaiah Hartenstein |
| 16. | Aaron Gordon |
| 17. | Jalen Suggs |
| 18. | Derrick White |
| 19. | Jaden McDaniels |
| 20. | Kawhi Leonard |
| 21. | Brook Lopez |
| 22. | Walker Kessler |
| 23. | Jarrett Allen |
| 24. | Chet Holmgren |
| 25. | Ausar Thompson |
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.
Top 26-50 defenders
| Rank | Player |
|---|---|
| 26. | Nic Claxton |
| 27. | Marcus Smart |
| 28. | Matisse Thybulle |
| 29. | Paul George |
| 30. | Jimmy Butler |
| 31. | Jakob Poeltl |
| 32. | Jarred Vanderbilt |
| 33. | Kristaps Porzingis |
| 34. | Lu Dort |
| 35. | Dillon Brooks |
| 36. | Mitchell Robinson |
| 37. | Ivica Zubac |
| 38. | Dyson Daniels |
| 39. | Toumani Camara |
| 40. | Kris Dunn |
| 41. | Keon Ellis |
| 42. | Gary Payton II |
| 43. | Kyle Anderson |
| 44. | Jayson Tatum |
| 45. | Kevin Durant |
| 46. | Mikal Bridges |
| 47. | Robert Williams III |
| 48. | Onyeka Okongwu |
| 49. | Mark Williams |
| 50. | Amen Thompson |
Several players on this list should go without saying. Jimmy Butler, Matisse Thybulle, Paul George, and Marcus Smart have all been named to multiple All-Defensive teams.One has been made by Mikal Bridges and Dillon Brooks. Lu Dort is definitely deserving of his moniker “Dorture Chamber” since he will put on the heat and cause discomfort. On certain occasions, Jayson Tatum is the team’s best wing defender. Even though some of these guys are past their prime, they’re all still amazing when locked in.
Top 51-75 defenders
| Rank | Player |
|---|---|
| 51. | Scottie Barnes |
| 52. | Lonzo Ball |
| 53. | Isaac Okoro |
| 54. | Josh Okogie |
| 55. | Ben Simmons |
| 56. | Haywood Highsmith |
| 57. | Vince Williams Jr. |
| 58. | Fred VanVleet |
| 59. | Josh Hart |
| 60. | Larry Nance Jr. |
| 61. | Kentavious Caldwell-Pope |
| 62. | Jaylen Brown |
| 63. | Jose Alvarado |
| 64. | Al Horford |
| 65. | Clint Capela |
| 66. | De’Anthony Melton |
| 67. | Wendell Carter Jr. |
| 68. | Jabari Smith Jr. |
| 69. | Derrick Jones Jr. |
| 70. | Xavier Tillman |
| 71. | Dennis Smith Jr. |
| 72. | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
| 73. | Aaron Nesmith |
| 74. | Dean Wade |
| 75. | Nickeil Alexander-Walker |
Seven of the best 75 defenders in the league are Celtics, as four of them are included on this list. Recently added to this list is Jaylen Brown. This past season, he made significant progress both with and without the ball. Xavier Tillman is larger and has quicker feet than Al Horford, but Al Horford is still a solid size.
Upon this year’s list, Scottie Barnes advanced 24 places. He played outstanding weak side rim protection and did a solid job against the league’s best wings. Another newcomer this year is Lonzo Ball. He would have scored significantly more a couple seasons back when he was healthy.
Top 76-100 defenders
| Rank | Player |
|---|---|
| 76. | Pascal Siakam |
| 77. | Kenrich Williams |
| 78. | Bruce Brown |
| 79. | Dorian Finney-Smith |
| 80. | Davion Mitchell |
| 81. | Delon Wright |
| 82. | Deuce McBride |
| 83. | Keegan Murray |
| 84. | Nikola Jokic |
| 85. | Paul Reed |
| 86. | Myles Turner |
| 87. | Cameron Johnson |
| 88. | Nicolas Batum |
| 89. | Caleb Martin |
| 90. | Cody Martin |
| 91. | Royce O’Neale |
| 92. | Deni Avdija |
| 93. | Javonte Green |
| 94. | Naji Marshall |
| 95. | Grant Williams |
| 96. | Patrick Williams |
| 97. | Ayo Dosunmu |
| 98. | De’Aaron Fox |
| 99. | Donte DiVincenzo |
| 100. | Andrew Nembhard |
To make their inaugural top 100 list, Deuce McBride, Keegan Murray, and De’Aaron Fox have all accomplished remarkable things. Despite his modest height, McBride puts forth a lot of effort and locks down the perimeter. Murray quietly emerged as the Kings’ top wing defender the previous campaign. Fox has proven to be more than just a mediocre defender by improving his play at the defensive end of the court. In terms of steals, he led the league.
Ayo Dosunmu, David Mitchell, and Donte DiVincenzo are prepared and eager to sabotage any scheme that opposing teams try to implement. They won’t give up once they get into your grill.
Myles Turner fell 49 places, the most of any person in the top 100. While not nearly as excellent as he was a few seasons ago, he is still a solid rim protector. Although Pascal Siakam can make tremendous plays and has the tools to be a great player, he struggles with focus.
Despite his lackluster appearance, Nikola Jokic consistently improves his teams’ performance on both sides of the court. In addition to his excellent anticipation and hands, he possesses a fantastic side kick move that forces teams to restart against a predetermined defense.