Another year of great NBA basketball as we are witnessing some of the best talents in the world. We have seen spectacular plays, flashy crossovers, jaw-dropping poster dunks, and three-point shots from the logo, but nothing beats the good old “lockdown defense”. They say that defense is pretty non-existent in today’s NBA. However, we have been seeing some of the best defenders the league can offer and they’re extremely good! Today, we will be predicting the 2023 NBA All-Defensive team members and see if they are a perfect choice. Take note that these are just opinions and are merely based on stats, fan votings, and their defensive impact to their respective teams.
2023 NBA All-Defensive First Team
- Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics)
- Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)
- Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat)
- Brook Lopez (Milwaukee Bucks)
Our pick for the All-Defensive first team includes two players from the Milwaukee Bucks, most especially the leading Defensive Player of the Year nominee, Brook Lopez. Bucks’ Jrue Holiday has been an outstanding perimeter defender and is often overlooked as a defensive nightmare. Other leading DPOY candidates such as Bam Adebayo and Jaren Jackson Jr. obviously would make the cut for the first team.
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Heat’s Adebayo believes he is the 2023 DPOY since he prides himself in locking down his opponents. The 25-year-old center also thinks he can guard every position, which makes him the clear winner (at least in his eyes). On the other hand, Jaren Jackson Jr. has been the defensive anchor of the young Grizzlies team. Because of him, Memphis is the team with the second-best defensive rating in the league this season with 110.7. Finally, to complete the five, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year will probably make his All-Defensive 1st team again this year. Last season, both Jackson Jr. and Smart were selected for the first team. Meanwhile, Holiday and Adebayo were in the 2nd team last year.
Also Read: NBA: 2023 All-NBA team selections – Who will get in?
2023 NBA All-Defensive Second Team
- OG Anunoby (Toronto Raptors)
- Derrick White (Boston Celtics)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Nic Claxton (Brooklyn Nets)
It’s been obvious that Toronto Raptors guard OG Anunoby is a severely underrated defender. It might be high time he finally gets his recognition as a defensive specialist by being selected for an All-Defensive team. Aside from Anunoby, Derrick White is another underrated talent. After joining the Boston Celtics, White is finally able to shine as an elite defender. Meanwhile, the Bucks, who are third-best in defensive rating (110.9), have Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2nd team. The 2020 DPOY has always been an excellent lockdown defender throughout his career.
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However, the last two spots in the 2nd team belong to two great rim protectors – Evan Mobley and Nic Claxton. Cleveland Cavaliers is currently the best defensive team in the league, based on its defensive rating (110.4). In addition, Cavs forward Evan Mobley is rising in the ladder for the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award. On the other hand, Nic Claxton is an excellent shot blocker. He is tied in 2nd place with Brook Lopez as the league’s block leader with a season average of 2.5 blocks per game.
Do you agree with our picks? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.
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