The Greatest NBA Defensive Player From Every Era (1950s To 2020s)

Defensive Stats Over Decade: 13.4 RPG, 38.7 DWS

Honors During Decade: 1952-53 Rebounds Champion

In the 1950s, George Mikan stood out as one of the most dominant defensive players of his era and the league’s first true superstar. As a towering center standing at 6’10’, Mikan possessed an imposing presence in the paint, deterring opponents from driving to the basket with his shot-blocking prowess. His defensive impact went beyond his ability to protect the rim; Mikan's physicality and positioning made him a formidable force in rebounding (13.4 RPG), controlling the boards to limit opponents' second-chance opportunities.

Moreover, his understanding of defensive schemes and anticipation allowed him to disrupt opponents' offensive plays, often forcing turnovers and altering shots. Mikan's defensive contributions played a significant role in the success of his team, the Minneapolis Lakers, during the era, helping them secure five championships. In an era where defense was emphasized, Mikan's defensive prowess and raw size in the paint earned him recognition as one of the greatest defensive players of the 1950s.

1960s - Bill Russell

Defensive Stats Over Decade: 113.1 DWS

Honors During Decade During Decade: 1968-69 All-Defensive Team Selection, 4x Rebounds Champion

In the 1960s, no player epitomized defensive excellence quite like Bill Russell. Standing at 6’10”, Russell revolutionized the role of the center position with his unmatched defensive instincts, athleticism, and shot-blocking prowess. His skill of anticipating opponents' moves, coupled with his lightning-quick reflexes, allowed him to swat away shots with remarkable consistency, altering the course of games and demoralizing opposing offenses.

Beyond his shot-blocking, Russell's tenacious rebounding presence was unrivaled, dominating the boards on both ends of the floor and igniting fast breaks for his team. His defensive versatility was also noteworthy, as he could guard multiple positions and seamlessly switch on defense—an attribute ahead of its time. Russell's defensive impact was pivotal in the success of the Boston Celtics, leading them to an unprecedented string of nine NBA championships throughout the decade (and 11 overall).

His prowess on the defensive end would have earned him multiple NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards had the award been given out, and would have averaged an incredible number of blocks per game if that stat was tracked. Russell’s impact in the 1960s solidified his status as one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history, particularly during the 1960s era.

1970s - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Defensive Stats Over Decade: 3.5 BPG, 1.3 SPG, 14.8 RPG, 60.2 DWS, 2.6 DBPM

Honors During Decade: 3x All-Defensive First Team Selection, 5x All-Defensive Second Team Selection, 3x Blocks Champion, 1975-76 Rebounds Champion

Despite retiring as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar emerged as a defensive stalwart, anchoring the paint with his imposing presence and unparalleled shot-blocking. Standing at 7’2”, Abdul-Jabbar possessed remarkable agility and timing, allowing him to swat away shots with ease and alter opponents' attempts around the rim. He posted 3.5 blocks and 1.3 steals per game over the decade, a testament to his two-way play.

His defensive prowess extended beyond shot-blocking, as he showcased exceptional positioning and basketball IQ, often disrupting opposing offenses with his awareness and anticipation. Abdul-Jabbar's dominance on the defensive end was further accentuated by his rebounding prowess, consistently controlling the boards and initiating fast breaks for his team. Moreover, his ability to defend both in the post and on the perimeter made him a versatile and impactful defender.

Throughout the 1970s, Abdul-Jabbar's defensive contributions played a pivotal role in the success of the Milwaukee Bucks and later the Los Angeles Lakers, earning him recognition as one of the premier defensive players of his era and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

1980s - Michael Jordan

Defensive Stats Over Decade: 1.2 BPG, 2.8 SPG, 6.2 RPG, 20.4 DWS, 2.9 DBPM

Honors During Decade: 1987-88 Defensive Player of the Year, 2x All-Defensive First Team Selection, 1987-88 Steals Champion

Despite his rookie season beginning in 1984-85, Michael Jordan quickly established himself as a defensive force to be reckoned with, dominating the defensive end of the floor for the majority of the decade. Sidney Moncrief gets a special shout-out, but Jordan has to take the edge because of his sheer athleticism which made him an unstoppable defender. 

His remarkable defensive instincts, coupled with his basketball IQ, allowed him to anticipate opponents' moves and make timely defensive plays. Jordan's defensive impact reached its pinnacle during the 1987-1988 season when he achieved the unprecedented feat of winning both the NBA Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards to go along with the scoring and steals titles.

This historic accomplishment solidified Jordan's status as the premier defensive player of his era and underscored his unparalleled versatility as a two-way player. Throughout the 1980s, Jordan's defensive excellence played a crucial role in the success of the Chicago Bulls, laying the foundation for his legendary career in the 1990s and earning him recognition as one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history and arguably the greatest defensive guard ever.

1990s - Hakeem Okajuwon

Defensive Stats Over Decade: 3.5 BPG, 1.8 SPG, 11.6 RPG, 58.2 DWS, 2.9 DBPM

Honors During Decade: 2x Defensive Player of the Year, 3x All-Defensive First Team Selection, 3x All-Defensive Second Team Selection, 3x Blocks Champion, 1989-90 Rebounds Champion

There is a reason the Defensive Player of the Year trophy is known as the “Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy”. Throughout the 1990s, Hakeem Olajuwon's defensive statistics were nothing short of remarkable, averaging 3.5 blocks per game, 1.8 steals per game, and 11.6 rebounds per game. These numbers underscored his dominance on the defensive end and he has to usurp Michael Jordan in the defensive category in the 1990s, albeit slightly. 

Olajuwon's defensive impact extended beyond mere statistics, as he showcased remarkable defensive instincts and basketball IQ. His defensive prowess was further highlighted by his impressive accolades during the decade, including two Defensive Player of the Year awards, three selections to the All-Defensive First Team, and three selections to the All-Defensive Second Team. Additionally, he led the league in blocks three times and claimed the rebounding title in the 1989-90 season.

Perhaps most impressively, Olajuwon's defensive dominance translated into team success, as he played an instrumental role in leading the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. His defensive tenacity, leadership, and ability to elevate his game on the biggest stages solidified his status as the preeminent defensive player of the 1990s and in the conversation for the best two-way big man ever.

2000s - Ben Wallace

Defensive Stats Over Decade: 2.3 BPG, 1.4 SPG, 11.2 RPG, 60.6 DWS, 2.9 DBPM

Honors During Decade: 4x Defensive Player of the Year, 5x All-Defensive First Team Selection, 2006-07 All-Defensive Second Team Selection, 2001-02 Blocks Champion, 2x Rebounds Champion

In the 2000s, Ben Wallace established himself as the defensive anchor of his era, earning a remarkable four Defensive Player of the Year awards—tied with the most all time. Wallace's defensive prowess was characterized by his relentless energy, tenacity, and ability to dominate the paint. Standing at only 6’9” inches, Wallace defied conventional expectations for a center with his remarkable shot-blocking ability, timing, and anticipation. His intimidating presence in the paint made him a formidable rim protector, deterring opponents from attacking the basket and altering countless shots.

Moreover, Wallace's defensive versatility was unmatched, as he could effectively guard multiple positions, switch seamlessly on pick-and-roll situations, and disrupt opposing offenses with his quick hands and anticipation. Wallace's defensive contributions were instrumental in the success of the Detroit Pistons during the 2000s. His leadership, communication, and willingness to sacrifice his body for the greater good epitomized the team-first mentality that defined the Pistons' defensive identity. With Wallace anchoring the defense, the Pistons became perennial contenders and captured the NBA championship in 2004.

2010s - Dwight Howard

Defensive Stats Over Decade: 1.9 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 12.7 RPG, 41.9 DWS, 1.2 DBPM

Honors During Decade: 2x Defensive Player of the Year, 3x All-Defensive First Team Selection, 2009-10 Blocks Champion, 3x Rebounds Champion

In the 2010s, Dwight Howard asserted his dominance as one of the premier defensive players in the NBA, earning two Defensive Player of the Year awards during the decade, including a remarkable streak of three consecutive DPOY honors that began in 2009. Howard's defensive impact was undeniable, as he anchored the paint with his imposing presence, shot-blocking prowess, and exceptional athleticism.

Howard possessed the rare combination of size, strength, and agility that allowed him to excel as a rim protector and rebounder. His ability to patrol the paint and deter opponents from driving to the basket was unparalleled, as evidenced by his league-leading shot-blocking numbers and intimidating shot-altering presence.

Whether it was anchoring the Orlando Magic's defense during their Finals run in 2009 or contributing to the defensive identity of teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and Charlotte Hornets, Howard's defensive presence was consistently felt and respected by opponents. Even if he did not make the All-NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Howard made his presence felt and one of the most underrated players ever.

2020s - Rudy Gobert

Defensive Stats Over Decade: 2.0 BPG, 0.7 SPG, 13.2 RPG, 23.2 DWS, 1.7 DBPM

Honors During Decade: 2x Defensive Player of the Year, 3x All-Defensive First Team Selection, 2021-22 Rebounds Champion

Rudy Gobert has just captured his fourth Defensive Player of the Year trophy, meaning he joins Ben Wallace and Dikembe Mutombo for the most ever. Gobert might lack the all-around impact of those two legends, but there is no denying no player has impacted the game defensively since the 2019-20 seasons. The Frenchman has two DPOY trophies in the 2020s decade so far, and it might be possible he managed to win a record-breaking five trophies before his career is up.

Gobert has extremely long arms, standing 7’1”, and has the base at 258 lbs to be an immovable force around the rim. Gobert’s toughness and tendency to avoid very physical contact makes him one of the most criticized players in the league at times, but there is no denying his impact when considering he led the Minnesota Timberwolves to the number one-ranked defense in the NBA in the 2023-24 campaign.