The NBA 2024-24 season is around the corner, and the countdown clock is ticking day by day. Last year’s NBA season was a complete banger. From record-breaking performances by players to record-making performances This year, we will have many more jaw-dropping performances. To be honest, last year’s games were more defensive than attacking. So let’s take a look at the 10 best defenders in the NBA ahead of the 2024-24 season.
10 best defenders in the NBA ahead of the 2024-24 season
10. Jonas Valanciunas
9. Rudy Gobert
8. Evan Mobley
7. Jayson Tatum
6. Joel Embiid
5. Nikola Jokic
4. Nikola Vucevic
3. Julius Randle
2. Domantas Sabonis
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
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Best Defenders
10. Jonas Valanciunas
Stats for the 2022-23 season:
- Games played: 79
- Steal: 0.3
- Block: 0.7
- Last year’s defensive rating: 110
The New Orleans Pelicans player is having his best comeback season since last year. He was one of the players on their team and played a very important role in defense. Similarly, at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, he had a great journey and was a part of the FIBA World Cup second team.
9. Rudy Gobert
Stats of the 2022-23 season:
- Games played: 70
- Steal: 0.8
- Block: 1.4
- Last year’s Defensive Rating: 109
The 2022 NBA All-Star Game player, Rudy Gobert, will be a player to watch out for this season. Last season with his new team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, was one of his best NBA seasons. He was everywhere, whether on defense or attack; moreover, he had his career-best steal percentage last season.
8. Evan Mobley
Stats of the 2022-23 season:
- Games played: 79
- Steal: 0.8
- Block: 1.5
- Last year’s Defensive Rating: 107
Many eyes will be set on Cleveland’s youngster, Evan Mobley. Since his debut in the NBA in 2021, his performance has always kept getting better and better. Last year, he was also on the NBA All-Defensive First Team.
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7. Jayson Tatum
Stats of the 2022-23 season:
- Games played: 74
- Steal: 1.1
- Block: 0.8
- Last year’s Defensive Rating: 109
The Boston forward ranks seventh on the list of best defenders ahead of the NBA season. He is one of the best players in the league to watch out for and will play a major role in Boston’s successful campaign. He can score, he can block, he can steal, and in conclusion, he is your guy whom you can trust every match.
6. Joel Embiid
Stats of the 2022-23 season:
- Games played: 66
- Steal: 1.1
- Block: 1.7
- Last year’s Defensive Rating: 108
Without the 2024 NBA Most Valuable Player, the list is incomplete. Joel Embiid has made it to six consecutive All-Star games and has been consistent in the past few seasons. Last year, he was the MVP of the tournament and also the scoring champion for the past two seasons.
5. Nikola Jokic
Stats of the 2022-23 season:
- Games played: 69
- Steal: 1.2
- Block: 0.7
- Last year’s Defensive Rating: 107
The Joker finds himself fifth on the list of best defenders to watch out for. He played a major role in the Nuggets winning their first NBA championship and will continue to do so soon. Last year was not his very best performance compared to the 2022 season, but this year he is going to turn the tables.
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4. Nikola Vucevic
Stats of the 2022-23 season:
- Games played: 82
- Steal: 0.7
- Block: 0.7
- Last year’s Defensive Rating: 109
The Chicago Bulls player and one of the veteran players in the league will be players to watch out for. Last season, he played in all 82 games and had an average of 0.7 steals and blocks per game. These numbers are quite impressive at the age of 32, and he would like to continue such performances.
3. Julius Randle
Stats of the 2022-23 season:
- Games played: 77
- Steal: 0.7
- Block: 0.4
- Last year’s Defensive Rating: 113
Finally, at number 3, we have Julius Randle. The Knicks player is having his best season of the past three seasons. He made it into the NBA All-Star games and was also a part of the All-NBA third team.
2. Domantas Sabonis
Stats of the 2022-23 season:
- Games played: 79
- Steal: 0.8
- Block: 0.5
- Last year’s Defensive Rating: 107
The 2024 NBA rebounding leader finds himself second on the list. The player’s last two seasons have been his best so far. From rebounds to steals, he was just everywhere for the team and helped the team reach the playoffs as well.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Stats of the 2022-23 season:
- Games played: 63
- Steal: 1.1
- Block: 1.3
- Last year’s Defensive Rating: 107
At No. 1, we have Giannis Antetokounmpo, the star of the NBA 2022-23 season. The Greek Freak is just 28 years old and is regarded as one of the best players in Bucks history. The past few years have been magical for him. As a result, ranks first on the list of 10 best defenders in the NBA ahead of the 2024-24 season
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