10 Best Defenders in NBA

The ultimate defensive anchor, with 11 NBA championships and five NBA MVP awards.

Bill Russell

A two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and one of the most skilled and versatile defenders of all time.

Hakeem Olajuwon

A seven-time NBA rebounding champion and five-time NBA champion, known for his tenacious defense and rebounding.

Dennis Rodman

A tenacious defender and two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year who was also a force on offense.

David Robinson

A versatile defender who could guard multiple positions and was a key part of the Chicago Bulls' championship runs in the 90s.

Scottie Pippen

A fundamentally sound defender and two-time NBA MVP who anchored the San Antonio Spurs' defense for two decades.

Tim Duncan

A nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection and one of the greatest point guard defenders of all time.

Gary Payton

A ten-time NBA scoring champion who also won nine NBA All-Defensive First Team selections, showing his dominance on both ends of the court.

Michael Jordan

A nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection and one of the most versatile and intimidating defenders in NBA history.

Kevin Garnett

A four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and one of the best shot-blockers and rebounders of his era.

Ben Wallace