All-Defensive Team Selections

Measures the total number of All-Defensive Team selections (First or Second Team combined) a player earned. This is the primary formal recognition of defensive excellence. Players with 8+ selections were elite defenders for a decade. While supplemental currently, this factor captures a dimension completely absent from offensive-focused indexes like HR and provides critical context for any future defensive rating.

487entities ranked

All-Defensive Team Selections Leaderboard

#	Entity	Score	Reasoning
	Tim Duncanplayer	98	Duncan earned 15 All-Defensive selections (8 First Team, 7 Second Team), tied for the most in NBA history. He was recognized as an elite defender for virtually his entire career.
	Kevin Garnettplayer	98	Garnett earned 15 All-Defensive Team selections (9 First Team, 6 Second Team), placing him among the greatest defenders in NBA history alongside Duncan and Payton.
	Scottie Pippenplayer	95	Pippen earned 10 All-Defensive Team selections (8 First Team, 2 Second Team), placing him in the elite defender tier. His sustained excellence over a decade makes him one of the greatest perimeter defenders in NBA history.
	Kobe Bryantplayer	95	Kobe earned 12 All-Defensive selections (9 First Team, 3 Second Team), placing him in the elite defender tier. This matches the anchor calibration exactly.
5	Hakeem Olajuwonplayer	92	Olajuwon earned 9 All-Defensive Team selections (5 First Team, 4 Second Team), placing him in the elite defender tier alongside Jordan's 9 selections.
5	Michael Jordanplayer	92	Jordan earned 9 All-Defensive First Team selections (1988-1993, 1996-1998) and no Second Team selections. This places him squarely in the elite defender tier, matching the anchor score of 92 provided.
7	Gary Paytonplayer	89	Payton earned 9 All-Defensive Team selections (9 First Team, 0 Second Team), placing him in the elite defender tier alongside players like Michael Jordan.
7	Rudy Gobertplayer	89	Gobert has 6 All-Defensive Team selections (4 First Team, 2 Second Team) through 2024, placing him in the outstanding defender tier with consistent elite recognition.
9	Dennis Johnsonplayer	88	Johnson earned 9 All-Defensive Team selections (6 First Team, 3 Second Team). This places him squarely in the elite defender tier, matching the 88-94 range for 9-12 selections.
9	Kawhi Leonardplayer	88	Leonard has 7 All-Defensive Team selections (3 First Team, 4 Second Team), placing him in the 'Outstanding Defender' tier with 6-8 selections. His elite perimeter defense anchored championship teams.
9	Bobby Jonesplayer	88	Jones earned 11 All-Defensive Team selections (8 First Team, 3 Second Team) during his career, placing him among the elite defenders in NBA history and in the 88-92 range for 9+ selections.
9	David Robinsonplayer	88	Robinson earned 8 All-Defensive Team selections (4 First Team, 4 Second Team) during his career. This places him in the 'Outstanding Defender' tier with 6-8 selections, reflecting his sustained excellence as a rim protector and anchor throughout the 1990s.
9	Draymond Greenplayer	88	Green has 8 All-Defensive Team selections (7 First Team, 1 Second Team) through 2023. This places him squarely in the 'Outstanding Defender' tier with 6-8 selections, at the upper end due to the high proportion of First Team selections.
9	Chris Paulplayer	88	Paul has 9 All-Defensive Team selections (7 First Team, 2 Second Team). This places him squarely in the elite defender tier, recognized for nearly a decade of outstanding perimeter defense.
15	Michael Cooperplayer	87	Cooper earned 8 All-Defensive Team selections (5 First Team, 3 Second Team) during his career with the Lakers. This places him in the 78-87 'Outstanding Defender' tier, at the high end due to his reputation as one of the premier perimeter defenders of the 1980s.
16	Dikembe Mutomboplayer	85	Mutombo earned 6 All-Defensive Team selections (3 First Team, 3 Second Team). This places him in the outstanding defender tier (78-87 range) at the upper end for his sustained defensive excellence.
16	Dennis Rodmanplayer	85	Rodman earned 8 All-Defensive selections (7 First Team, 1 Second Team), placing him firmly in the outstanding defender tier. His defensive versatility and intensity were legendary.
18	Tony Allenplayer	82	Allen earned 6 All-Defensive selections (3 First Team, 3 Second Team) from 2011-2017, placing him in the outstanding defender tier with consistent elite recognition.
18	Joe Dumarsplayer	82	Dumars earned 5 All-Defensive Team selections (4 First Team, 1 Second Team) from 1989-1993. This places him in the strong defender tier with multiple years of recognized defensive excellence.
18	Kevin McHaleplayer	82	McHale earned 6 All-Defensive Team selections (3 First Team, 3 Second Team). This places him firmly in the outstanding defender tier with consistent recognition for his defensive excellence.
18	Kareem Abdul-Jabbarplayer	82	Kareem earned 6 All-Defensive selections (5 First Team, 1 Second Team) during his career. This places him firmly in the 'outstanding defender' tier with 6-8 selections, reflecting his sustained excellence as a rim protector throughout the 1970s and into the early 1980s.
18	Bruce Bowenplayer	82	Bowen earned 8 All-Defensive selections (5 First Team, 3 Second Team) from 2001-2008. This places him in the 'Outstanding Defender' tier with 6-8 selections, reflecting his reputation as one of the premier perimeter defenders of his era.
18	John Stocktonplayer	82	Stockton earned 5 All-Defensive Team selections (all Second Team: 1989, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1997). This places him in the 'Strong Defender' tier with 4-6 selections, reflecting his reputation as an elite perimeter defender and steal artist.
18	Jason Kiddplayer	82	Kidd earned 4 All-Defensive First Team selections and 5 All-Defensive Second Team selections (9 total). This places him in the outstanding defender tier with 6-9 selections.
18	Alonzo Mourningplayer	82	Mourning earned 8 All-Defensive Team selections (2 First Team, 6 Second Team), placing him in the 78-87 'Outstanding Defender' tier. He was consistently recognized as one of the league's premier rim protectors and defensive anchors.
18	Walt Frazierplayer	82	Frazier earned 7 All-Defensive Team selections (6 First Team, 1 Second Team) from 1969-1976. This places him in the outstanding defender tier with 6-9 selections, establishing him as one of the premier perimeter defenders of the 1970s.
18	John Havlicekplayer	82	Havlicek earned 8 All-Defensive Team selections (5 First Team, 3 Second Team) from 1972-1978. This places him in the outstanding defender tier with 6-9 selections, establishing him as one of the premier perimeter defenders of the 1970s.
18	Sidney Moncriefplayer	82	Moncrief earned 5 All-Defensive First Team selections (1983-1987) and no Second Team selections, totaling 5 All-Defensive selections. This places him in the 'strong defender' tier with 4-6 selections.
18	Dave DeBusschereplayer	82	DeBusschere earned 6 All-Defensive Team selections (all First Team from 1969-1974), placing him in the 78-87 'Outstanding Defender' tier. He was consistently recognized as one of the league's elite defenders during his prime years.
30	Jimmy Butlerplayer	78	Butler has 6 All-Defensive Team selections (4 First Team, 2 Second Team), placing him exactly in the outstanding defender tier (6-8 selections = 78-87). This matches LeBron's 6 selections (78) and reflects his sustained defensive excellence.
30	Mookie Blaylockplayer	78	Blaylock earned 6 All-Defensive Team selections (4 First Team, 2 Second Team) from 1994-1999, placing him in the outstanding defender tier. He was one of the premier perimeter defenders of the 1990s with exceptional steal numbers.
30	Norm Van Lierplayer	78	Van Lier earned 6 All-Defensive Team selections (3 First Team, 3 Second Team) from 1974-1979, placing him in the outstanding defender tier. He was widely regarded as one of the premier perimeter defenders of the 1970s.
30	Dwight Howardplayer	78	Howard earned 5 All-Defensive selections (3 First Team, 2 Second Team) during his prime years from 2009-2012. This places him in the 'Outstanding Defender' tier at 6-8 selections, though at the lower end with only 5 total selections.
30	Anthony Davisplayer	78	Davis has 4 All-Defensive Team selections (4 First Team, 0 Second Team) from 2018-2021. This places him squarely in the 'Strong Defender' tier with 4-5 selections earning 65-77 points, at the upper end due to all being First Team selections.
30	Ben Wallaceplayer	78	Wallace earned 6 All-Defensive selections (5 First Team, 1 Second Team) during his career. This places him squarely in the 'Outstanding Defender' tier with 6-8 selections, reflecting his sustained excellence as one of the premier defenders of the 2000s.
30	Jrue Holidayplayer	78	Holiday has 6 All-Defensive Team selections (4 First Team, 2 Second Team), establishing him as one of the premier perimeter defenders of his era and placing him in the outstanding defender tier.
30	LeBron Jamesplayer	78	LeBron has 6 All-Defensive selections (5 First Team, 1 Second Team). He was consistently elite during his prime years in Miami and Cleveland, though defensive effort waned later.
30	Alvin Robertsonplayer	78	Robertson earned 6 All-Defensive Team selections (4 First Team, 2 Second Team) during his career. This places him squarely in the 'Outstanding Defender' tier with 6-8 selections, reflecting his sustained excellence as a perimeter defender.
30	Maurice Cheeksplayer	78	Cheeks earned 5 All-Defensive Team selections (4 First Team, 1 Second Team) from 1983-1987, placing him in the 'Strong Defender' tier. He was recognized as one of the premier perimeter defenders of the 1980s with exceptional steal numbers.
40	Herbert Jonesplayer	75	Jones has earned 2 All-Defensive Team selections (2022-23 First Team, 2023-24 Second Team) in his young career. This places him in the 'Strong Defender' tier at 65-77.
41	Giannis Antetokounmpoplayer	68	Giannis has earned 5 All-Defensive Team selections (1 First Team, 4 Second Team) through 2024. This places him in the 'Strong Defender' tier with 4-6 selections, reflecting his emergence as an elite defender.
41	Joel Embiidplayer	68	Embiid has 4 All-Defensive Team selections (3 Second Team, 1 First Team) through 2024. This places him in the 'Strong Defender' tier (4-6 selections = 65-77 range).
41	Andre Iguodalaplayer	68	Iguodala earned 4 All-Defensive Team selections (2 First Team, 2 Second Team) during his career. This places him in the 65-77 'Strong Defender' tier for multiple years of recognized defensive excellence.
41	Jerry Westplayer	68	West earned 4 All-Defensive First Team selections (1970-1973) and 1 Second Team selection (1969) for 5 total. This places him in the strong defender tier with multiple years of recognized defensive excellence.
41	Bam Adebayoplayer	68	Adebayo has 3 All-Defensive Team selections (1 First Team, 2 Second Team) through 2023-24. This places him in the 'Good Defender' tier with 2-3 selections, reflecting his recognized defensive excellence during his prime years.
41	Larry Birdplayer	68	Bird earned 3 All-Defensive Second Team selections (1982, 1983, 1984). This places him in the strong defender tier with multiple years of recognized defensive excellence.
41	Karl Maloneplayer	68	Malone earned 4 All-Defensive Team selections (3 First Team, 1 Second Team). This places him in the strong defender tier with 4-6 selections, recognizing multiple years of defensive excellence during his prime.
41	DeAndre Jordanplayer	68	Jordan earned 1 All-Defensive First Team selection (2016) during his peak with the Clippers. Per the rubric, 1 selection = 35-49 range, but his strong defensive reputation and rim protection ability push him to the upper end of that tier.
41	Andrei Kirilenkoplayer	68	Kirilenko earned 3 All-Defensive Team selections (1 First Team in 2006, 2 Second Team in 2004 and 2005). This places him in the 50-64 range for 2-3 selections, at the upper end due to his elite defensive reputation.
50	Marcus Smartplayer	67	Smart has 3 All-Defensive Team selections (1 First Team in 2022, 2 Second Team in 2019 and 2020), placing him in the 'Strong Defender' tier. He was the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year and is widely regarded as one of the premier perimeter defenders of his era.
51	Rajon Rondoplayer	65	Rondo earned 4 All-Defensive Team selections (1 First Team in 2010, 3 Second Team in 2009, 2011, 2012) during his prime Boston Celtics years. This places him in the 'Strong Defender' tier with multiple years of recognized defensive excellence.
51	Marcus Cambyplayer	65	Camby earned 4 All-Defensive Team selections (3 First Team, 1 Second Team) during his career, placing him in the 'Strong Defender' tier. He was a premier shot-blocker and rim protector who won Defensive Player of the Year in 2007.
53	Moses Maloneplayer	62	Moses Malone earned 2 All-Defensive Team selections (1983 First Team, 1979 Second Team). This places him in the 'Good Defender' tier with 2-3 selections, though he was more known for rebounding than elite defense.
54	Avery Bradleyplayer	58	Bradley earned 2 All-Defensive Second Team selections (2013, 2016). He was widely regarded as one of the premier perimeter defenders during his prime years with Boston.
54	Paul Georgeplayer	58	George has 4 All-Defensive Team selections (1 First Team, 3 Second Team). This places him in the good defender tier with multiple years of recognized defensive excellence, though below the outstanding tier.
54	Latrell Sprewellplayer	58	Sprewell made 1 All-Defensive First Team selection in 1994, placing him in the above-average defender category with recognized defensive excellence for one season.
57	Dwyane Wadeplayer	55	Wade earned 3 All-Defensive Team selections (all Second Team: 2005, 2009, 2010). This places him in the 'Good Defender' tier with 2-3 selections, reflecting his peak years as an elite perimeter defender.
57	Lafayette Leverplayer	55	Lever earned 2 All-Defensive Second Team selections (1988, 1989). His defensive versatility and ability to guard multiple positions made him a valuable defender during his peak years with Denver.
57	Shaquille O'Nealplayer	55	Shaq earned 3 All-Defensive Team selections (all Second Team: 2000, 2001, 2003). This places him in the 'Good Defender' tier with 2-3 selections.
57	Dave Cowensplayer	55	Cowens earned 3 All-Defensive Team selections (all Second Team: 1975, 1976, 1980). This places him in the 'Good Defender' tier with 2-3 selections, reflecting his solid defensive reputation during his prime years.
57	Jermaine O'Nealplayer	55	O'Neal earned 3 All-Defensive Team selections (1 First Team in 2004, 2 Second Team in 2003-2004). This places him in the good defender tier, recognized for his shot-blocking and interior defense during his Indiana peak.
62	Bill Waltonplayer	52	Walton earned 2 All-Defensive Team selections (1977, 1978 First Team). Per the rubric, 2-3 selections = 50-64 range, placing him in the 'Good Defender' tier.
62	Serge Ibakaplayer	52	Ibaka made 1 All-Defensive First Team selection (2012) and was widely respected as a rim protector and defensive anchor throughout his prime years.
62	Wilt Chamberlainplayer	52	Wilt earned 2 All-Defensive First Team selections (1972, 1973). The All-Defensive teams were only introduced in 1968-69, severely limiting his opportunities despite being a dominant defender.
65	Shawn Marionplayer	50	Marion made 2 All-Defensive Second Team selections (2005, 2006). This places him in the 'good defender' tier with 2-3 selections.
65	Patrick Ewingplayer	50	Ewing earned 3 All-Defensive Second Team selections (1988, 1989, 1992). This places him in the 'Good Defender' tier with 2-3 selections, though he was widely respected as an elite rim protector throughout his career.
65	Marc Gasolplayer	50	Gasol made 1 All-Defensive First Team selection (2013) when he won DPOY. This single selection places him in the above-average defender range per the scale.
68	Ben Simmonsplayer	35	Simmons has 1 All-Defensive First Team selection (2021). Per the rubric, 1 selection = 35-49 range, placing him at the lower end as a recognized elite defender for one season.
68	Bill Russellplayer	35	The All-Defensive Team was introduced in 1968-69, Russell's final season, and he was named First Team that year. By the rubric, 1 selection equals 35-49, though his defensive reputation is arguably the greatest ever.
68	Bob Cousyplayer	35	All-Defensive teams were not introduced until 1968-69, Cousy's final season, and he was not selected. However, he was widely respected as a solid defender for his era, particularly known for his anticipation and steal ability.
68	Clyde Drexlerplayer	35	Drexler earned 1 All-Defensive Second Team selection (1991). While he was a good defender with excellent steal numbers, he was only recognized once for elite defensive play during his career.
72	Nate Thurmondplayer	30	Thurmond had 0 All-Defensive selections as the award wasn't introduced until 1968-69 and he played most of his prime in the mid-1960s. However, he was widely regarded as one of the premier defensive centers of his era and an elite shot-blocker.
73	Thabo Sefoloshaplayer	28	Sefolosha never made an All-Defensive team but was widely respected as a solid perimeter defender throughout his career, particularly known for his versatility guarding multiple positions.
73	Raja Bellplayer	28	Bell earned 0 All-Defensive Team selections but was widely respected as a tenacious perimeter defender and elite three-point shooter stopper throughout his career, particularly with Phoenix.
73	Alex Carusoplayer	28	Caruso has 0 All-Defensive Team selections but is widely respected as an excellent perimeter defender with active hands, strong positioning, and high basketball IQ. He's known for his defensive impact despite lack of formal recognition.
73	OG Anunobyplayer	28	Anunoby has 0 All-Defensive Team selections but is widely respected as a versatile, switchable defender who can guard multiple positions effectively. He's considered a solid defender above league average but hasn't yet received All-Defensive recognition.
73	Jaylen Brownplayer	28	Brown has 0 All-Defensive Team selections but is widely respected as a solid defender who can guard multiple positions and has improved significantly on that end throughout his career.
73	Manute Bolplayer	28	Bol earned 0 All-Defensive Team selections despite being one of the greatest shot-blockers in NBA history. He was widely respected as a defensive specialist and rim protector, placing him in the solid defender category for players without formal recognition.
73	Fred VanVleetplayer	28	VanVleet has 0 All-Defensive Team selections but is widely respected as a solid defender with active hands and good positioning. He's above average defensively for a point guard but hasn't reached All-Defensive recognition.
73	P.J. Tuckerplayer	28	Tucker has 0 All-Defensive Team selections but is widely respected as an elite role player defender who can guard multiple positions and has been crucial in playoff runs for multiple teams.
73	Maurice Stokesplayer	28	Stokes played before All-Defensive teams existed (1955-1958), but was widely regarded as an exceptional defender and rebounder who could guard multiple positions at 6'7". His defensive reputation places him in the solid defender range despite no formal selections.
73	Patrick Beverleyplayer	28	Beverley has 0 All-Defensive Team selections but is widely respected as a tenacious perimeter defender and pest who guards opposing stars. His defensive reputation places him in the solid defender tier despite lacking formal recognition.
73	Luguentz Dortplayer	28	Dort has 0 All-Defensive Team selections but is widely respected as one of the better perimeter defenders in the NBA, known for his ability to guard elite scorers and his physical, tenacious defensive style.
73	Luc Mbah a Mouteplayer	28	Mbah a Moute earned 0 All-Defensive Team selections but was widely respected as a solid defender throughout his career, known for his versatility and ability to guard multiple positions effectively.
73	Wesley Matthewsplayer	28	Matthews never made an All-Defensive team but was widely respected as a solid perimeter defender throughout his career, particularly during his Portland years.
73	Shane Battierplayer	28	Battier earned 0 All-Defensive Team selections but was widely respected as an elite team defender and defensive specialist throughout his career.
87	Ricky Rubioplayer	25	Rubio never made an All-Defensive team but was widely respected as a solid perimeter defender with good anticipation and positioning throughout his career.
87	Klay Thompsonplayer	25	Thompson has 0 All-Defensive Team selections but is widely respected as a solid defender who can guard multiple positions and has been crucial to championship defenses.
87	Arvydas Sabonisplayer	25	Sabonis earned 0 All-Defensive Team selections during his NBA career. However, he was widely respected as a solid defender with excellent basketball IQ and positioning, particularly as a rim protector and team defender.
87	Kyle Andersonplayer	25	Anderson has 0 All-Defensive Team selections but is widely respected as a solid team defender with good instincts and versatility, earning him recognition as a solid defender.
87	Bill Sharmanplayer	25	All-Defensive teams weren't introduced until 1968-69, after Sharman's career ended in 1961. He was known as a solid defender for his era but not legendary, placing him in the solid defender range without official selections.
87	Josh Hartplayer	25	Hart has 0 All-Defensive Team selections but is widely respected as a solid defender who can guard multiple positions. He's known for his hustle and defensive versatility, placing him in the solid defender range.
87	Kyle Lowryplayer	25	Lowry has 0 All-Defensive Team selections but was widely respected as a solid defender throughout his career, known for taking charges and playing tough perimeter defense.
87	Khris Middletonplayer	25	Middleton has 0 All-Defensive Team selections but is generally regarded as a solid, versatile defender who can guard multiple positions without being a liability, placing him in the solid defender range.
87	Jakob Poeltlplayer	25	Poeltl has 0 All-Defensive Team selections but is widely respected as a solid rim protector and defensive presence. He's known for his shot-blocking and interior defense but hasn't reached All-Defensive recognition.
87	Dillon Brooksplayer	25	Brooks has 0 All-Defensive Team selections but is widely respected as a solid perimeter defender who can guard multiple positions and take on tough assignments.
87	Billy Cunninghamplayer	25	Cunningham earned 0 All-Defensive Team selections during his career (1965-1976). However, he was widely respected as a solid defender who could guard multiple positions and was known for his hustle and intensity on that end.
87	Chet Holmgrenplayer	25	Holmgren has 0 All-Defensive Team selections in his young career but is already showing elite rim protection and defensive versatility. His shot-blocking ability and defensive impact suggest he could become a respected defender, placing him in the solid defender range.
87	Jo Jo Whiteplayer	25	White earned 0 All-Defensive Team selections but was considered a solid defender during his era, known for his fundamentally sound defensive play and effort.
87	Paul Arizinplayer	25	Arizin has 0 All-Defensive selections as the award didn't exist during his career (1950-1962). He was considered a solid defender for his era but not elite, earning him recognition as a respected defender despite no formal selections.