The 5 Best Defensive Point Guards Of All Time
The best defensive point guards of all time disrupted offenses and shut down opposing players. Point guards are the first line of defense and must contain the other team’s top ball-handler which sets the defensive tone.
The best defensive players in NBA history have mastered the art of stealing, deflecting passes, cutting off driving lanes and making life hard for offensive players. That’s exactly what makes the floor generals discussed in this article the best defensive point guards ever.
We took into account and factored the following accolades and accomplishments for each player and position into our evaluation process:
- Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) awards or most First-Team All-Defensive votes received prior to the 1982-83 season when the DPOY award was introduced.
- Defensive contributions to championship runs as evidenced by All-NBA Defensive honors during those championship-winning seasons
- First-Team and Second-Team All-NBA Defensive selections
- Hall of Fame recognition
- All-time statistical leaders in select defensive categories
With the criteria established, let’s dive into the elite group of players who defined defensive excellence at the point guard position.
Who Are the Best Defensive Point Guards of All Time?
The NBA has witnessed a rich history of outstanding defensive point guards who made their mark by locking down opponents. Names like John Stockton, Dennis Johnson, Norm Van Lier, Rajon Rondo, Mookie Blaylock and Maurice Cheeks are etched in basketball lore for their tenacious on-ball defense and ability to disrupt offenses.
Players like Jason Kidd, Gary Payton, Walt Frazier, and Jerry West were not only offensive threats but also elite defenders who could shut down the opposition’s top scorers. Chris Paul, Jrue Holiday and Marcus Smart are more recent examples of point guards who have carried on the tradition of defensive excellence.
These players made a lasting impact with their relentless effort, quick hands, and a deep understanding of defensive principles, earning them a special place in NBA history. With so many incredible defensive point guards throughout NBA history, it’s time to unveil the elite group that stands out as the best of the best in shutting down opponents and spearheading their teams’ defensive efforts.
5. Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd was a special talent in the NBA, renowned for his all-around excellence on both ends of the court. The Hall of Famer was a ten-time All-Star and a fierce competitor who solidified his teams with his elite defensive prowess.
Kidd’s defensive accolades include four selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team and five appearances on the All-Defensive Second Team. His ability to disrupt passing lanes, apply tenacious on-ball pressure, and communicate on defensive assignments made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Kidd’s defensive contributions were instrumental in leading the New Jersey Nets to two NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003, as well as guiding the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals and winning a championship in 2011. In addition to his remarkable court vision, high basketball IQ, and relentless effort on the defensive end, Kidd cemented his legacy as one of the best defensive point guards of all time.
4. Chris Paul
Chris Paul is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, known for his exceptional all-around game and tenacious defense. A 12-time All-Star, Paul has been a defensive stalwart throughout his career, earning nine selections to the NBA All-Defensive Team. He made seven appearances on the All-Defensive First Team and two appearances on the All-Defensive Second Team.
His quick hands, anticipation skills, and relentless on-ball pressure have made him a nightmare for opposing ball-handlers as he led the league in steal six times. Paul’s defensive contributions have been instrumental. His teams’ success and the ability to consistently anchor elite defensive units are only a couple of reasons why Paul nears the top of our list of the best defensive point guards of all time.
3. Gary Payton
Gary Payton, nicknamed “The Glove,” was a defensive force to be reckoned with during the prime of his illustrious NBA career. The Hall of Famer was a nine-time All-Star and a fierce competitor known for backing up his trash talking with lockdown defense. Payton’s defensive accolades include winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 1996 and being selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team nine times.
His defensive prowess was a key factor in helping the Seattle SuperSonics reach the 1996 NBA Finals. With his mental strength, quick hands, and unwavering determination, Payton established himself as one of the best defensive point guards of all time.
2. Dennis Johnson
Dennis Johnson was quite the defensive force during his time playing point guard for the Boston Celtics. Overall, Johnson earned All-NBA Defensive Team honors nine times. This includes six All-NBA First team appearances, three All-NBA Second Team appearances and the most votes for All-NBA Defensive Team honors three times before there was a Defensive Player Of The Year award.
As a point guard he was a one time All-Defensive Team leading vote-getter, a three time All-NBA First Team, and a two time All-NBA Second Team selection. His tenacious on-ball defense and ability to disrupt opposing offenses made him a standout at the point guard position.
While Johnson played both point guard and shooting guard (one of the best defensive shooting guards of all time as well) throughout his career, his defensive prowess was amplified when he teamed up with Kevin McHale, who is considered one of the best defensive power forwards of all time, as well as Larry Bird, who is considered by some as one of the best defensive small forwards of all time.
This trio of Johnson, McHale and Bird were a major component of a defensive juggernaut for the Boston Celtics during their championship runs from the late 70’s throughout the mid 80’s.
1. Walt “Clyde” Frazier
Walt “Clyde” Frazier is celebrated as one of the greatest defensive guards in NBA history. A seven-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, Frazier was the heart and soul of the New York Knicks’ formidable defensive units that captured two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973.
His defensive prowess was unmatched, earning him seven selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team and the most votes for All NBA Defensive Team honors twice before the DPOY award was established.
Frazier’s combination of quickness, anticipation, and relentless on-ball pressure made him a nightmare for opposing ball-handlers. His defensive contributions were a driving force behind the Knicks’ success, and he rightfully earned his place as the greatest defensive point guard in NBA history.
Frazier, also teamed up with Willis Reed, one of the top NBA best defensive centers to ever play the game, during the Knicks’ championship runs in 1970 and 1973. Reed, a fierce rim protector and anchor of the Knicks’ defense, complemented Frazier’s tenacious perimeter defense, forming a formidable defensive tandem that suffocated opposing teams.
Reflecting
Reflecting on the best defensive point guards of all time shows how important their defense was to the game of basketball. Their intensity, skills, and ability to disrupt the opposing team’s offense made them stand out in history.
The legacy of the best defensive point guards reminds us that defense is crucial to winning games and championships. Stay tuned for our upcoming All-Time defensive player rankings for shooting guards, small forward, power forwards and centers, offering further insight into the legends of the game.
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