Locking Down the League: The Best Defensive Stopper on Every NBA Team (Updated 2024)

Introduction

Defense wins championships, and every NBA team relies on their top defensive stoppers to anchor their defense. In this updated analysis, we identify the best defensive player on each NBA team for 2024. These players excel at shutting down opponents, disrupting plays, and providing the defensive backbone for their squads.

Best Defensive Stoppers on Every NBA Team

1. Atlanta Hawks: De'Andre Hunter

De'Andre Hunter is the defensive ace for the Atlanta Hawks. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, making him a critical component of Atlanta's defense.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.2 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 4.9 DRPG
Strengths: Versatility, on-ball defense, athleticism

2. Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, continues to be the heart and soul of the Celtics' defense. His tenacity and ability to guard multiple positions make him invaluable.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 3.6 DRPG
Strengths: Aggressiveness, IQ, leadership

3. Brooklyn Nets: Mikal Bridges

Mikal Bridges is known for his defensive prowess, often tasked with guarding the opponent's best perimeter player. His length and agility are key assets for the Nets.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.6 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 4.2 DRPG
Strengths: Length, lateral quickness, consistency

4. Charlotte Hornets: P.J. Washington

P.J. Washington has emerged as the Hornets' defensive stopper, using his strength and agility to guard both forwards and centers effectively.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.1 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 5.8 DRPG
Strengths: Versatility, shot-blocking, physicality

5. Chicago Bulls: Alex Caruso

Alex Caruso is the defensive heart of the Chicago Bulls, known for his hustle, energy, and ability to make key stops at critical moments.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 3.2 DRPG
Strengths: Hustle, on-ball defense, anticipation

6. Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley

Evan Mobley anchors the Cavaliers' defense with his shot-blocking ability and defensive versatility, capable of guarding multiple positions.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.5 SPG, 2.4 BPG, 7.1 DRPG
Strengths: Shot-blocking, versatility, mobility

7. Dallas Mavericks: Reggie Bullock

Reggie Bullock provides the Mavericks with a strong defensive presence on the perimeter, often tasked with guarding the opposition's top scorer.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 3.4 DRPG
Strengths: Perimeter defense, effort, reliability

8. Denver Nuggets: Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon is the defensive specialist for the Nuggets, using his athleticism and strength to guard multiple positions and provide key stops.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 5.9 DRPG
Strengths: Athleticism, versatility, physicality

9. Detroit Pistons: Jaden Ivey

Jaden Ivey's defensive capabilities are a key asset for the Pistons, showcasing his ability to disrupt passing lanes and guard multiple positions.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 4.3 DRPG
Strengths: Quickness, anticipation, energy

10. Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green

Draymond Green remains the defensive leader for the Warriors, known for his intelligence, versatility, and ability to anchor the defense.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 6.1 DRPG
Strengths: Leadership, IQ, versatility

11. Houston Rockets: Jae'Sean Tate

Jae'Sean Tate is the Rockets' defensive stopper, known for his physicality and ability to guard multiple positions effectively.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 5.0 DRPG
Strengths: Physicality, versatility, effort

12. Indiana Pacers: Myles Turner

Myles Turner is a premier shot-blocker and the defensive anchor for the Pacers, known for his rim protection and ability to alter shots.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 0.9 SPG, 3.1 BPG, 7.4 DRPG
Strengths: Shot-blocking, rim protection, length

13. Los Angeles Clippers: Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, continues to be a defensive force for the Clippers, excelling in both on-ball defense and steals.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 6.0 DRPG
Strengths: On-ball defense, anticipation, strength

14. Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis is the Lakers' defensive anchor, known for his elite shot-blocking and ability to guard multiple positions.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.3 SPG, 2.6 BPG, 10.1 DRPG
Strengths: Shot-blocking, versatility, rim protection

15. Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is a dominant defensive presence for the Grizzlies, excelling in both shot-blocking and guarding multiple positions.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.1 SPG, 3.2 BPG, 6.7 DRPG
Strengths: Shot-blocking, versatility, mobility

16. Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo

Bam Adebayo is the defensive cornerstone for the Heat, known for his versatility, ability to guard all five positions, and strong shot-blocking skills.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.0 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 9.1 DRPG
Strengths: Versatility, athleticism, shot-blocking

17. Milwaukee Bucks: Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, known for his ability to lock down the opposing team's top guard.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 4.5 DRPG
Strengths: Perimeter defense, strength, IQ

18. Minnesota Timberwolves: Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert, a multiple-time Defensive Player of the Year, continues to be a dominant shot-blocker and rim protector for the Timberwolves.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 0.8 SPG, 2.9 BPG, 10.4 DRPG
Strengths: Shot-blocking, rim protection, rebounding

19. New Orleans Pelicans: Herb Jones

Herb Jones has quickly established himself as a defensive force for the Pelicans, known for his versatility and ability to guard multiple positions.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.5 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 4.7 DRPG
Strengths: Versatility, athleticism, on-ball defense

20. New York Knicks: Mitchell Robinson

Mitchell Robinson is the defensive anchor for the Knicks, excelling in shot-blocking and rim protection.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 0.9 SPG, 2.5 BPG, 8.9 DRPG
Strengths: Shot-blocking, rim protection, rebounding

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Luguentz Dort

Luguentz Dort is known for his tenacious defense and ability to guard the opposing team's best player, making him a key defensive player for the Thunder.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 4.0 DRPG
Strengths: Tenacity, on-ball defense, strength

22. Orlando Magic: Jonathan Isaac

Jonathan Isaac, when healthy, is a premier defender with his shot-blocking ability and versatility to guard multiple positions.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.3 SPG, 1.8 BPG, 6.4 DRPG
Strengths: Shot-blocking, versatility, length

23. Philadelphia 76ers: Matisse Thybulle

Matisse Thybulle is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, known for his ability to disrupt passing lanes and guard top scorers.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 3.6 DRPG
Strengths: Perimeter defense, anticipation, quickness

24. Phoenix Suns: Josh Okogie

Josh Okogie provides the Suns with strong perimeter defense, known for his hustle and ability to guard multiple positions.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 3.8 DRPG
Strengths: Hustle, perimeter defense, versatility

25. Portland Trail Blazers: Jerami Grant

Jerami Grant is the defensive leader for the Trail Blazers, using his length and athleticism to guard multiple positions effectively.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.0 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 5.1 DRPG
Strengths: Versatility, length, athleticism

26. Sacramento Kings: Davion Mitchell

Davion Mitchell's defensive intensity and ability to guard both guards and forwards make him a key defensive player for the Kings.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 3.4 DRPG
Strengths: On-ball defense, quickness, intensity

27. San Antonio Spurs: Devin Vassell

Devin Vassell is emerging as a top defender for the Spurs, known for his ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opponents.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.2 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 4.4 DRPG
Strengths: Versatility, quickness, anticipation

28. Toronto Raptors: OG Anunoby

OG Anunoby is one of the best defenders in the league, known for his ability to guard multiple positions and make critical stops.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 5.7 DRPG
Strengths: Versatility, strength, anticipation

29. Utah Jazz: Walker Kessler

Walker Kessler has quickly become a key defensive player for the Jazz, known for his shot-blocking ability and presence in the paint.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 0.9 SPG, 2.3 BPG, 7.8 DRPG
Strengths: Shot-blocking, rim protection, size

30. Washington Wizards: Deni Avdija

Deni Avdija provides the Wizards with solid defense on the wing, known for his ability to guard multiple positions and his hustle on the court.

Defensive Stats (2023-2024 Season): 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 4.9 DRPG
Strengths: Versatility, hustle, anticipation

Conclusion

The NBA is filled with exceptional defensive talents who play crucial roles in their teams' success. These top NBA players excel at shutting down opponents, protecting the rim, and providing the defensive foundation for their squads. Stay updated on these defensive stoppers as they continue to lock down the league and make their mark in the 2024 season.

The Best Defensive Stopper on Every NBA Team (Updated 2024)