Ever since the turn of the century, the NBA has seen a seismic shift in how the game is played, particularly in how guards contribute defensively. Most fans and analysts often underscore offensive prowess, but let's take a moment to celebrate those who excel at the other end of the floor.
One guard who demands respect is Tony Allen. Known as "The Grindfather," he spent most of his career with the Memphis Grizzlies and became synonymous with intense, hard-nosed defense. During his peak seasons, Allen averaged 1.7 steals per game and a defensive rating consistently under 100, a rare feat in today’s high-scoring NBA. What stands out isn't just his stats but the impact he had on team defense. The Grizzlies' defensive efficiency notably improved when Allen was on the court, elevating the team’s overall performance.
Let's talk about Chris Paul. Throughout his career, Paul has been more than a traditional point guard; he's a defensive maestro. Averaging over 2.1 steals per game over a 15-year span while maintaining a low turnover rate is no small feat. It's not just his individual stats that impress, but how he instills a defensive mindset in his teams. When he joined the Houston Rockets, their defensive rating improved significantly, showcasing his ability to influence the game defensively.
Kawhi Leonard, although primarily a forward, has also spent considerable time as a guard. He is the epitome of a two-way player, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award twice and leading the league in steals in 2015 with an average of 2.3 per game. What makes Kawhi special are not just the numbers but the pivotal moments. His lockdown defense in critical playoff situations, like against the Dallas Mavericks in the 2020-2021 playoffs, has been a game-changer.
Avery Bradley is another name that often gets overlooked but shouldn't be. Known as one of the league's top perimeter defenders, Bradley has an uncanny ability to disrupt the opponents' best guards. During his prime years with the Boston Celtics, Bradley held opponents to a field goal percentage below 40% when he was the primary defender. His lateral quickness and defensive IQ have been instrumental in shutting down big names like Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard.
No discussion about elite defensive guards is complete without mentioning Gary Payton. Though his prime years were in the '90s, Payton continued to play effectively into the 2000s. Known as "The Glove," Payton's defensive prowess was reflected in his nine All-Defensive First Team selections. Even as he aged, his ability to read offenses and anticipate passes kept him relevant and a defensive leader for teams he played for, including the Miami Heat, where he won an NBA Championship in 2006.
Then we have Jrue Holiday, a more modern example of defensive mastery. In the recent 2020-2021 season, Holiday was a cornerstone of the Milwaukee Bucks' championship defense. He averaged 1.6 steals per game and played a crucial role in neutralizing elite guards like Devin Booker and Chris Paul in the NBA Finals. His versatility in switching across different positions and his tenacity are valuable assets in today's switch-heavy defensive schemes.
One must also note Marcus Smart, the Boston Celtics' defensive stalwart. Smart doesn't just make flashy defensive plays; he's a comprehensive defender. In the 2018-2019 season, Smart was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, thanks to his ability to guard multiple positions, plunging passing lanes, and his knack for drawing charges. His defensive win shares and plus-minus ratings have consistently been in the upper echelon among guards.
Interestingly, an often unnoticed yet formidable defensive guard is Patrick Beverley. Known for his aggressive defense and tenacity, Beverley has made a name for himself with his ability to frustrate the league's best offensive players. During his tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers, Beverley's Defensive Box Plus-Minus (DBPM) was often among the best for guards, and his per 36-minute defensive stats provided further proof of his effectiveness on the floor.
While discussing defensive guards, it’s impossible to ignore Ben Simmons. Though more often classified as a forward, Simmons frequently guards opposing perimeter players. His unique combination of size, speed, and basketball IQ allows him to defend all five positions on the court. During the 2019-2020 season, Simmons led the league in steals with an average of 2.1 steals per game. His ability to switch on defense and guard multiple positions has transformed the Philadelphia 76ers into one of the top defensive teams in the league during his tenure.
It’s astounding how the role of a guard has evolved when it comes to defense. In the early 2000s, guards like AI and Kobe could score at will, but the advent of these defensive juggernauts has ensured a balance on the court. Defensive statistics, defensive win shares, DRtg, and the eye test all point to the importance of a good defensive guard. The contributions of these players often go unnoticed in a league driven by the allure of scoring but look closer, and you’ll see how indispensable they are to their respective teams' success. For more on these players and the latest NBA discussions, check out arena plus.