Defense wins championships. Anyone who's followed the NBA knows that. And when we talk about perimeter defense, there's a subset of players who completely redefine this art form. Start with Marcus Smart. This dude averaged 1.7 steals per game last season. His ability to switch on almost any opponent and disrupt plays makes him invaluable to the Boston Celtics. Plus, his on-ball defense is relentless; it forces turnovers like clockwork.
Then there's Jrue Holiday, often overlooked but never underappreciated. Jrue has this knack for locking down the league's best scorers. Just last year, he held opposing players to a 41.3% field goal rate. That's insane when you consider he's often up against All-Stars. His defensive win shares (DWS) of 3.6 tell you all you need to know about his impact on the court.
We can't forget about Kawhi Leonard. "The Klaw" has this aura of inevitability when it comes to defense. During the 2019 playoffs, he had a steal rate that made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. His hands seem almost magnetic when it comes to picking pockets. His defensive box plus-minus was a staggering +2.2, putting him among the elite defenders in the league.
Any rundown of current defensive stalwarts would be incomplete without mentioning Ben Simmons. The 6'10" point guard (yeah, you read that right) combines size and agility in a way that's almost unfair. In the 2020-21 season, Simmons held his matchups to just 40.3% shooting from the field. The Philadelphia 76ers know they can rely on him to guard positions 1 through 5, providing unparalleled versatility.
One emerging talent to keep an eye on is Matisse Thybulle. This guy is a defensive prodigy. In just his second year, he averaged 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. That's perimeter defensive prowess combined with rim protection, a rare combo. His steal percentage of 3.8% ranks among the elite, pushing him into conversations that usually involve veterans.
And how can we ignore Paul George? PG13 has been one of the league's top perimeter defenders for years. He's consistently in the top 20 for defensive ratings, boasting a DRtg of 107 last season. His ability to read plays and his lateral quickness set him apart. When you need someone to guard the likes of James Harden or Kevin Durant, George is your man.
Yet, for a holistic view of elite perimeter defenders, we must also glance at some role players who excel in this department. Patrick Beverley, the quintessential pest, is a prime example. His defensive rating (DRtg) of 109 slightly undercuts his raw defensive tenacity. But his influence extends beyond basic stats; he uses mental games to unnerve even the most composed stars.
Draymond Green has spent much of his career being Golden State's defensive anchor. While primarily known for his interior defense, Green's ability to switch onto guards and wings shouldn't be overlooked. His defensive versatility and IQ are off the charts. During the 2015-16 season, Green's defensive box plus-minus was +5.0, a figure that showcased his dominance on the defensive end.
Youngsters such as OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors also deserve mention. Anunoby's 7'2" wingspan gives him the reach to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes effectively. Last season, his 104 DRtg was a testament to his growing defensive prowess. His ability to guard multiple positions makes him a valuable asset in today's switch-heavy defensive schemes.
If you're looking for another rising star, consider Dorian Finney-Smith from the Dallas Mavericks. This dude had a defensive rating of 111 last season, not the best, but his on-court impact goes beyond numbers. His energy and effort on defense are contagious, rarely seen in players of his experience level.
Even seasoned veterans like Danny Green have shown they can still bring it on defense. His 107 DRtg last year may not be All-Defense caliber, but his impact on team defense remains strong. Known for his ability to guard the perimeter and contest shots effectively, Green's presence elevates his team's defensive efforts.
Finally, don't sleep on Jimmy Butler. While known for his scoring, Butler's defense is nothing short of exceptional. In the 2020 NBA Finals, Butler averaged 2.1 steals per game. His 106 DRtg that season was instrumental in getting Miami to the Finals. Every contending team would love to have a player with that kind of two-way impact.
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