Nine times out of ten, hoopers wanted to master the art of shooting, fancy dribbling, acrobatic finishes, athletic dunks, and all the rest of the most entertaining moves in basketball. However, real players know that the game is more than just scoring. Since the sport started, defense has always been the most underrated skill a player should have. Wouldn’t it be better if a basketball player could dominate on both ends? In this season, we’ll be looking at 5 of the best wing defenders in the league right now, names who superstars sometimes fear on the perimeter.
5. Dejounte Murray
Well, it’s not a shocker finding Atlanta Hawks’ Dejounte Murray on this list. Prior to the 2023-2024 season, DJM was already a lockdown perimeter defender known for being a high-energy player. The 27-year-old has been selected as an All-Star (2022) and All-Defensive Team member (2018) once and led the league in steals during the 2021-2022 campaign.
The Washington native is now averaging 1.9 steals per game, ranked 6th among all NBA players this season. His $114 Million extension from the Hawks is also well deserved as he continues to produce great numbers and be the second option alongside Trae Young.
Steals per game: 1.9
Blocks per game: 0.3
Defensive rating: 119.6
4. Alex Caruso
Alex Caruso has been marketed as an elite perimeter defender since he joined the league. He was previously highly underappreciated, but this changed when LeBron came to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018. After playing with LBJ, it was already pretty obvious that he was something special. Caruso was a hard-nosed defender who was going to infest everyone he was guarding. AC is a high-IQ defender who’s going to make a much-needed defensive stop to help the team win.
After a nice run in Hollywood, he signed a good deal with the Chicago Bulls. However, it looks like his time in the windy city might be over. Would it surprise you that the Lakers are more interested in acquiring the defensive stopper Alex Caruso than an athletic All-Star scorer in Zach LaVine?
Steals per game: 1.4
Blocks per game: 0.8
Defensive rating: 113.8
3. Jrue Holiday
Jrue has always been an underrated point guard. Truly, he was robbed of multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards. But, his 5 All-Defensive Team selections prove why he’s a scary defender.
Despite his height and size, nothing can get past Jrue’s emphatic perimeter defense. For a guy of his stature, Jrue Holiday is incredibly strong. His on-ball defense was an essential factor for the Milwaukee Bucks’ championship run in 2021, wherein a steal sealed the deal for the Bucks. After being acquired by the Boston Celtics, the 33-year-old point guard is still making opponents feel his presence. However, he is yet to find his footing as he’s not putting up the same numbers he did just a season ago.
Steals per game: 0.6
Blocks per game: 0.9
Defensive rating: 109.5
2. OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors guard OG Anunoby is definitely having a breakout season. Not only is he a frontrunner to win the 2024 DPOY, but he’s also one of the leaders in the Most Improved Player of the Year race.
Filing this under: OG Anunoby, All-Defense pic.twitter.com/oGwB8TZhEM
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) November 27, 2023
Anunoby has always been a defensive menace since being drafted. The good part is, the young forward can guard positions 1 through 4 and can also shoot the three-ball very well. The former champion may break out this year alongside the 2022 Rookie of the Year, Scottie Barnes, and make the Toronto Raptors a team to be feared again.
Steals per game: 1.1
Blocks per game: 0.8
Defensive rating: 113.4
1. Ausar Thompson
Who would have thought a rookie would make an immediate impact on the defensive end for his team? And not just the simple effect, he’s doing much more than what he was expected to do. The other half of the Thompson twins, Ausar, who was drafted 5th overall by the Detroit Pistons is creating a buzz on Motor City after numerous impressive performances despite the team’s underwhelming record.
Ausar Thompson swats it away!
Thompson (1.8 BPG) is 3rd in BPG among all rookies.
Wizards-Pistons | Live on the NBA App
📲 https://t.co/YJ5vualYdD pic.twitter.com/9Hw8bxBtPI— NBA (@NBA) November 28, 2023
Ausar, despite being only 6-foot-7, is the only guard in the current top 25 leaders in blocks this season. Moreover, Thompson averages more blocks than Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mitchell Robinson, and Jarett Allen, all of whom are known to be emphatic shot blockers. As of now, He, Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Jaden Ivey are the only good things in Detroit.
Steals per game: 1.0
Blocks per game: 1.4
Defensive rating: 113.5
