The 10 Best Defenders in the NBA Right Now

September 2, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

In a league dominated by highlight dunks and deep three-pointers, it’s often the defensive anchors who make the biggest difference in crunch time. The best defenders in the NBA aren’t just athletic—they’re smart, instinctive, and relentless. They read the game like a book and shut down even the best scorers on the planet.

Based on thousands of fan votes on Ranker, here are the players who dominate the defensive end, frustrate their opponents, and anchor their teams with grit and precision. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these defenders are the true backbone of the NBA in 2025.

Here’s the countdown of the Top 10 current NBA defenders.

10. Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler brings intensity and discipline every time he steps on the floor.
Known for locking in during big moments, his defensive grit has become a signature of the teams he leads.
Whether guarding the wing or shutting down stars, Butler sets the tone with energy and toughness.

9. Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart plays with unmatched fire on the defensive end.
Fearless, physical, and endlessly disruptive, he’s the kind of defender every coach wants—and every opponent dreads.
From drawing charges to diving for loose balls, Smart defines hustle.

8. Herb Jones

A rising star on defense, Herb Jones has turned heads with his length, speed, and sharp instincts.
He’s already a matchup nightmare across multiple positions and often guards the opposing team’s best scorer.
With years ahead of him, Jones is quickly building a reputation as a defensive ace.

7. Draymond Green

Draymond Green is the heartbeat of Golden State’s defense.
What he lacks in size, he makes up for in IQ, leadership, and communication.
Able to guard all five positions, Green controls the tempo and direction of every defensive set.

6. Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert, known as the "Stifle Tower," remains one of the most dominant rim protectors in the NBA.
His shot-blocking and paint presence completely alter opponents’ strategies.
Few players have changed the way teams attack inside quite like Gobert.

5. Jaren Jackson Jr.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is one of the NBA’s most promising young defenders.
His timing, length, and foot speed make him an elite shot-blocker already.
At just 25, he’s anchoring the Grizzlies' defense and setting the tone for years to come.

4. Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis is a complete defender—just as deadly guarding the perimeter as he is in the paint.
He switches across positions effortlessly and erases shots at the rim.
His impact is often felt in ways that don’t show up on the stat sheet.

3. Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday is the definition of a two-way guard.
His defensive technique, tenacity, and ability to shut down opposing backcourts have earned him league-wide respect.
He’s a one-man wall with elite instincts and consistency.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a defensive juggernaut.
His combination of speed, strength, and wingspan lets him guard anyone—anywhere on the court.
He’s a nightmare in transition defense and a shot-blocking menace in the half-court.

1. Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard still reigns as the NBA’s top perimeter defender.
With massive hands and an uncanny feel for reading plays, he suffocates scorers and forces mistakes.
Even in his mid-30s, “The Klaw” continues to lock down elite players night after night.