Top 10 Best NBA Defenders Right Now (2025 Edition) — Ranked in Reverse

August 28, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

Championships are built on defense — and these players are the anchors, enforcers, and strategists who define elite NBA defense today. From rim protectors to perimeter pests, they shift momentum, frustrate scorers, and often change the course of games with a single stop. Here's our fan-ranked list of the top 10 defenders currently dominating the hardwood.

10. Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler is the embodiment of grit and intensity. Nicknamed "Jimmy G. Buckets," he's more than just a scorer — he's a relentless perimeter defender who thrives on shutting down opposing stars. His commitment on the defensive end sets the tone for his squad and makes him one of the most respected two-way players in the league.

9. Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart plays defense like his life depends on it. Diving for loose balls, navigating screens, and pressuring ball-handlers, Smart's hustle and toughness have earned him a reputation as one of the fiercest competitors in the league. His physicality and basketball IQ make him a defensive anchor wherever he goes.

8. Herb Jones

A rising star on the defensive end, Herb Jones has quickly become known for his lockdown instincts and disruptive presence. Whether he's guarding wings or switching onto guards, Jones plays with energy and precision. His timing, lateral quickness, and anticipation have made him a foundational piece of New Orleans' defense.

7. Draymond Green

Draymond Green isn’t just a defender — he’s a defensive coordinator on the floor. His ability to switch across all five positions, read offenses like a playbook, and motivate teammates makes him indispensable. With Golden State, he’s been the heart of their championship-level defense for a decade.

6. Rudy Gobert

Known as the “Stifle Tower,” Rudy Gobert is still one of the most intimidating paint protectors in the league. With elite shot-blocking and rebounding, he forces opponents to think twice before entering the lane. Gobert’s size and positioning make him a defensive force night in and night out.

5. Jaren Jackson Jr.

Young, long, and fast, Jaren Jackson Jr. is a nightmare for anyone trying to score inside. With his shot-blocking instincts and versatility, he alters shots all over the floor and anchors the Memphis defense. His ability to defend both on the perimeter and in the paint makes him one of the most complete defenders in the league.

4. Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis blends size, timing, and agility into a defensive package few can match. Whether he’s switching onto guards or protecting the rim, “The Brow” brings elite coverage across the board. His presence changes offensive strategies and cements him as a defensive pillar in Dallas.

3. Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday is the quiet assassin of perimeter defense. He's known for locking down elite scorers, fighting through screens, and bringing relentless pressure to opposing guards. His consistency and composure under pressure have made him one of the most respected defenders in the game.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo

The “Greek Freak” doesn’t just dominate on offense — he’s an absolute menace on defense. Giannis’ length, athleticism, and quickness allow him to defend every position. He blocks shots, guards the perimeter, and erases mistakes, anchoring one of the league’s most stifling defenses in Milwaukee.

1. Kawhi Leonard

When Kawhi Leonard locks in, there may be no better defender on Earth. With massive hands, surgical anticipation, and a calm, calculated approach, “The Klaw” neutralizes scorers like few ever have. Even at 34, he remains the gold standard for one-on-one defense in the NBA.