Anthony Davis, Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, Bam Adebayo, And Herb Jones Headline NBA All-Defensive First Team

The NBA has announced its All-Defensive First Team for the 2023-24 season, featuring some of the league's most formidable defenders. Leading the pack are Anthony Davis, Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, Bam Adebayo, and Herb Jones, each recognized for their exceptional defensive prowess throughout the season.

2023-24 NBA All-Defensive First Team

Anthony Davis - Los Angeles Lakers

Victor Wembanyama - San Antonio Spurs

Rudy Gobert - Minnesota Timberwolves

Bam Adebayo - Miami Heat

Herb Jones - New Orleans Pelicans

Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers continues to cement his reputation as a premier defender with his third first-team selection. Known for his versatility and ability to guard multiple positions, Davis has been a cornerstone of the Lakers' defense, using his length and athleticism to disrupt opponents' offenses. 

Davis averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 55.6% from the field and 27.1% from 3-point range

Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs' phenom, makes history as the first rookie to be named to the All-Defensive First Team since Tim Duncan. Wembanyama's impact on the defensive end has been immediate, showcasing his shot-blocking ability and defensive instincts that have drawn comparisons to some of the greats in NBA history. 

Wemby averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field and 32.5% from 3-point range.

Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, earns a unanimous selection to the First Team. This marks Gobert's seventh First Team honor, underscoring his consistent dominance as a rim protector and his ability to anchor the Timberwolves' defense effectively. 

Gobert averaged 14.0 points, 12.9R rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 66.1% from the field while also headlining the number 1 defense in the NBA.

Bam Adebayo from the Miami Heat makes his debut on the All-Defensive First Team after several years on the Second Team. Adebayo's versatility allows him to guard all five positions, making him a unique defensive asset. 

His ability to switch on pick-and-rolls and guard both perimeter players and big men has been crucial to the Heat's defensive schemes. He averaged 19.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 52.1% from the field and 35.7% from 3-point range.

Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans also earns his first selection to the First Team. Jones, known for his tenacity and defensive IQ, has quickly made a name for himself as one of the league's best perimeter defenders. His ability to guard the opposing team's best player night in and night out has been invaluable to the Pelicans. Jones averaged 11.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 49.8% from the field and 41.8% from 3-point range.

The inclusion of these players highlights their significant contributions to their respective teams' defensive successes. Each of these players brings unique skills to the table, from Wembanyama's shot-blocking and Gobert's rim protection to Adebayo's versatility, Davis' multifaceted defense, and Jones' perimeter prowess. Together, they form a formidable defensive lineup that any team would fear facing.

In addition to their individual accolades, their selections underscore the evolving nature of defense in the NBA, where versatility and the ability to guard multiple positions are increasingly valued. These players have set a high standard for defensive excellence and will continue to be key figures in their teams' quest for success.

Top Guards Are On The NBA All-Defensive Second Team

The 2023-24 NBA All-Defensive Second Team features some of the league's top guards who excel on both ends of the floor, particularly in perimeter defense and three-point shooting.

2023-24 NBA All-Defensive Second Team

Alex Caruso - Chicago Bulls

Jrue Holiday - Boston Celtics

Jalen Suggs - Orlando Magic

Derrick White - Boston Celtics

Jaden McDaniels - Minnesota Timberwolves

Alex Caruso of the Chicago Bulls earned his spot on the Second Team with his tenacious defense and efficient shooting. Caruso contributed 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 46.8% from the field and 40.8% from beyond the arc. His ability to disrupt passing lanes and guard multiple positions made him a valuable asset for the Bulls.

Jrue Holiday, representing the Boston Celtics, showcased his defensive prowess with 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game. Holiday's defensive tenacity combined with his efficient shooting—48.0% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range—solidified his place on the Second Team.

Jalen Suggs, the Orlando Magic's emerging guard, demonstrated his defensive instincts with 12.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. Suggs' ability to guard multiple positions and knock down outside shots—47.1% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range—made him a valuable contributor on both ends of the floor.

Derrick White, another member of the Boston Celtics, provided versatility and defensive acumen with 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. White's ability to disrupt opposing offenses while contributing offensively—46.1% shooting from the field and 39.6% from three-point range—earned him a spot on the Second Team.

Finally, Jaden McDaniels of the Minnesota Timberwolves showcased his defensive versatility and shooting touch with 10.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. McDaniels' ability to defend multiple positions and knock down outside shots—48.9% from the field and 33.7% from three-point range—made him a valuable asset for the Timberwolves and earned him recognition on the All-Defensive Second Team. 

Collectively, these players represent the pinnacle of defensive excellence and three-point shooting prowess among guards in the NBA.