The best NBA defenders are heading into the 2026-27 season with more attention than ever, and Victor Wembanyama sits at the top of the conversation. The San Antonio star was the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, and he has a real shot at producing one of the greatest defensive seasons ever. Defense rarely gets the awards-night spotlight that scorers enjoy, so here is a position-by-position look at who deserves it.
Why Defense Still Gets Overlooked
Everyone agrees defense matters, yet the major awards lean heavily on offensive numbers. Of the 28 All-Star selections last season, only Chet Holmgren averaged fewer than 18 points per game. Defense is a team effort of five players moving together, which makes individual stars harder to celebrate. That is why separate lists for bigs, wings and guards give a fairer picture than one blended ranking.
Best NBA Defenders Among the Bigs
Rim protection is the most valuable part of defense, so the best NBA defenders on any impact list are mostly centers.
- Victor Wembanyama: The league’s top defender and the clear No. 1 big.
- Chet Holmgren: Edges Rudy Gobert because he is only entering his prime at age 24.
- Rudy Gobert: Still producing all-time-great defense at 34, though age is a factor.
- Bam Adebayo: With Giannis Antetokounmpo now in Miami, he can lean back into his defensive roots.
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: Now with the Utah Jazz, he is projected to regain his DPOY form.
Isaiah Stewart narrowly missed the list. No center with at least 30 games played had a bigger impact on shots at the rim last season, but durability remains a question.
Top Wing and Forward Stoppers
Among the best NBA defenders who aren’t centers, Ausar Thompson stands alone. He leads nearly every advanced stat for non-bigs without having to save energy for a heavy offensive load.
Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby follow, with Barnes getting a slight edge for being about four years younger and rating better in impact metrics. Toumani Camara had a down year in 2025-26 as injuries hit Portland, but his size, speed and willingness to take charges make him a strong bounce-back pick. Jaden McDaniels rounds out the group after smothering Jamal Murray in the playoffs.
Elite Guards Who Disrupt Offenses
The best NBA defenders in the backcourt are disruptors and playmakers. Alex Caruso leads the way: Oklahoma City’s defensive rating was 12.4 points better than the league average when he played without Holmgren. Derrick White follows with elite off-ball defense and shot-blocking for a guard, and Jalen Suggs ranks third as the Eastern Conference’s answer to Caruso.
Cason Wallace steps into a full-time starting role with Luguentz Dort gone. Dyson Daniels closes the list as the league’s top defensive playmaker, and his gambles have become more calculated. Atlanta’s defense improved noticeably with him on the floor last season. Jrue Holiday, Marcus Smart, Stephon Castle and Keon Ellis earned honorable mentions.
What This Means for Awards and Contenders
Wembanyama is the early favorite, but Holmgren, Gobert, Adebayo and a rejuvenated Jackson give the race real depth. Track the latest Defensive Player of the Year odds to see how the market views these DPOY candidates as the season unfolds. Strong defensive rankings also tend to track team success, so see where defense-heavy teams land in our NBA preseason power rankings. Want to catch these defenders live? Check how to watch NBA games this season.
Together, the best NBA defenders on this list will shape the title race, and youth, health and scheme fit will decide who moves up or down.
FAQs
1. Who is the top defender in the NBA right now?
Victor Wembanyama is widely viewed as the league’s best defender. He is the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year and a threat to put together a historic season.
2. Who are the best NBA defenders among guards?
Alex Caruso, Derrick White, Jalen Suggs, Cason Wallace and Dyson Daniels make up the top five, ranked in that order.
3. Why do centers dominate lists of the best NBA defenders?
Rim protection is the most valuable defensive skill, and centers deliver it most consistently. That is why separate lists for wings and guards give a more balanced view.
4. Which non-center is the league’s top defender?
Ausar Thompson ranks first among wings and forwards and leads most advanced defensive stats for non-bigs.
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