When it comes to defense in the NBA, guards often go unnoticed compared to their towering peers in the frontcourt. Yet, the impact of solid defensive guards is undeniable. Let's dive into some of the best defensive guards in the league based on specific stats and historical performances. You might be surprised at how much a strong defensive presence on the perimeter can change the game's outcome.
One name that frequently comes up is Marcus Smart. The Boston Celtics' guard has earned a reputation as one of the league’s fiercest defenders. In the 2020-2021 season, Smart averaged 1.5 steals per game, a significant stat that demonstrates his quick hands and anticipation. He's also known for his tenacity and ability to guard multiple positions, which is a crucial function in modern NBA defenses.
Moving to Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks, who exhibits a more subtle but equally impactful defensive prowess. During their championship run in 2021, Holiday was essential in locking down elite perimeter players. His defensive rating of 107.3 for the season speaks to his efficiency and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Analysts often refer to him as the 'assist killer', a term that highlights his knack for reducing opponents' assist numbers through relentless man-to-man defense.
Ben Simmons, despite his offensive struggles, remains another key figure in discussions about top NBA defensive guards. Standing at 6 feet 11 inches, Simmons' size gives him an unusual advantage in guarding smaller, quicker guards while also switching onto forwards. In the 2020-2021 season, Simmons ranked second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, an accolade that quantifies his impact on that end of the court. His 3.9 defensive win shares highlight how much his defense contributes to team victories.
Then there's Matisse Thybulle of the Philadelphia 76ers, who is becoming a defensive stalwart in his own right. Despite limited playing time, Thybulle's per-36-minute stats are eye-catching. He averaged 2.9 steals and 1.9 blocks per 36 minutes during the 2021 season, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays beyond traditional guard responsibilities.
A frequently underrated performer would be Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors. Known for his hustle and defensive grit, VanVleet averaged 1.7 steals per game in the 2020-2021 season. He also ranked among the top guards in deflections per game, a stat that underscores his ability to interrupt passing lanes effectively. VanVleet's tenacity often draws comparisons to former Raptors' guard Kyle Lowry, showing how a smaller guard can still dominate defensively.
Discussing defense without mentioning Alex Caruso would be a mistake. During his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, and now with the Chicago Bulls, Caruso has proven himself a defensive nugget. In the 2019-2020 season with the Lakers, Caruso had a defensive box plus-minus of 2.1, an advanced stat that showcases his positive impact while on the floor. Known for high-energy plays and timely steals, Caruso embodies the 'glue guy' archetype that every championship team craves.
Talking numbers, it's fascinating to delve into how much better a team defends when these guards are on the floor. According to arena plus, the Boston Celtics’ defensive rating improves by 12.1 points when Marcus Smart is in the game. Such numbers reflect a player's overall effect on team defense.
Who ranks as the best among these top-tier defenders? Numbers alone cannot always capture the essence of gritty defense, but key metrics like steals, defensive win shares, and advanced stats like defensive box plus-minus offer a quantifiable glimpse. Skills like anticipation, agility, and mental toughness remain as invaluable assets that stats might not always capture fully. Talking to fans and analysts alike, you often hear terms like 'lockdown defender' and 'defensive anchor' tossed about, terms that validate a player's standing.
So, who is the best defensive guard in the NBA? If raw data means anything, names like Marcus Smart and Jrue Holiday would lead the pack. If we’re going by accolades and high-pressure performances, Ben Simmons and Matisse Thybulle can't be ignored. Ultimately, the debate continues, fueled by game-changing plays and career-defining moments that these guards provide night in and night out.