When I think about the best defensive forwards in the NBA, it's hard not to mention Draymond Green. This guy has been an absolute game-changer for the Golden State Warriors. He’s won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, which speaks volumes. During the 2016-2017 season, he averaged 2.0 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. That’s an incredible defensive stat line. You can't argue with those numbers.
Kawhi Leonard is another name that has to pop up in any serious discussion. When he was with the San Antonio Spurs, he was a pivotal part of their defensive setup. He’s known as "The Klaw" because of his massive hands and his ability to lock down almost any player. Consider the 2015-2016 NBA season where he recorded 1.8 steals per game. His defensive contributions earned him two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards. Quite a feat, right?
Now, let's talk about Giannis Antetokounmpo, commonly known as the Greek Freak. The Milwaukee Bucks owe a lot of their defensive success to him. During the 2019-2020 season, he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award while averaging 13.6 rebounds and 1 block per game. His presence on the court is almost intimidating. He’s quick, and his 7-foot-3 wingspan gives him the ability to guard multiple positions effectively. The way he can switch and guard not just forwards but also guards makes him an invaluable asset.
Speaking of versatile defenders, I can't leave out Anthony Davis. When the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Championship in 2020, a lot of credit went to their defensive schemes, anchored by Davis. During that playoff run, he averaged 1.4 steals and 2.3 blocks per game. His ability to change the game defensively, whether it's contesting shots at the rim or switching onto smaller, quicker players, is nothing short of impressive.
One name that often flies under the radar is Bam Adebayo. The Miami Heat standout is exceptional when it comes to his defensive expertise. In the 2019-2020 season, he averaged 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. He’s consistently tasked with defending the other team's best player, regardless of the position, and handles this role admirably. His impact isn't just in the stats; his ability to read the game and make crucial stops is something that numbers can't always quantify.
Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz often gets talked about exclusively for his shot-blocking. But that’s selling him short. Sure, during the 2019-2020 season, he averaged 2.0 blocks per game, but his overall defensive impact goes beyond that. He’s a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and his ability to control the paint forces opposing teams to think twice before driving to the basket. His defensive win shares statistic, which was around 5.0 in the 2019-2020 season, highlights just how valuable he is.
The league is full of versatile and impactful defensive forwards like Pascal Siakam. Playing for the Toronto Raptors, Siakam has shown he can be a game-changer on both ends of the floor. During the 2019 NBA Playoffs, he averaged 1.0 steal and 0.7 blocks per game, helping the Raptors clinch their first NBA title. His defensive ability often gets overshadowed by his offensive contributions, but make no mistake, he’s a force.
Remember Paul George? He’s now with the LA Clippers, and his defensive prowess can't be overlooked. Throughout his career, he’s been known for his lockdown defense. In the 2018-2019 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he averaged 2.2 steals per game. That’s not a typo, 2.2 steals per game! His defensive rating that season was 103.6, making him one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. He’s always tasked with guarding the best wings in the game, and he excels in that role.
How about Jimmy Butler? This guy has been everywhere and is currently making waves with the Miami Heat. When you watch him play, his defensive intensity is palpable. In the 2019-2020 season, he averaged 1.8 steals per game. His leadership and ability to lead by example on defense were especially evident during the Heat’s impressive run to the NBA Finals in 2020. He seems to have a knack for making game-changing defensive plays when they matter the most.
arena plus - Moving along, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics deserves mention, especially given his defensive growth. He's not just an offensive juggernaut; he’s become a reliable defender. During the 2019-2020 season, he averaged 1.4 steals per game. As Tatum continues to develop his all-around game, his contributions on defense are becoming increasingly invaluable. His agility and basketball IQ allow him to guard multiple positions effectively, making him a key component in the Celtics’ defensive schemes.
All these players bring something unique to the table, making them essential pieces for their respective teams. Whether it’s their ability to guard multiple positions, their knack for making crucial steals and blocks, or just their overall defensive IQ, these forwards have cemented their place in NBA history. They remind us that defense is just as important as offense in winning games and championships.