Press Release: DeAndre Jordan And Chris Paul Named to NBA All-Defensive First Team

The NBA announced today that LA Clippers’ center DeAndre Jordan and point guard Chris Paul have been named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. It is Jordan’s second straight First Team honor and Paul’s fifth consecutive year on the First Team team and sixth overall time in his career, making him the 12th player in NBA history with at least six career nods.

Jordan received 137 points (62 First Team votes, 25 Second Team votes), while Paul garnered a total of 148 points (59 First Team votes, 30 Second Team votes).

Joining Jordan and Paul on the NBA All-Defensive First Team are forward Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs (260 points), forward Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors (151 points) and guard Avery Bradley of the Boston Celtics (149 points).

Jordan led the NBA in defensive rebounds per game (10.3) and was second in the NBA in rebounds per game (13.8) and blocks per game (2.30). He was the only player in the NBA to average 12-plus rebounds and 2-plus blocks in 2015-16.

Paul was third in the NBA in steals per game (2.05) and sixth in total steals (152). He has led the NBA in steals in six of the past nine seasons. Paul was previously named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2009 and was also named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2011 and 2008.

The NBA All-Defensive Second Team consists of forwards Paul Millsap of the Atlanta Hawks (97 points, 11 First Team votes) and Paul George of the Indiana Pacers (48 points, five First Team votes), center Hassan Whiteside of the Miami Heat (126 points, 44 First Team votes) and guards Tony Allen of the Memphis Grizzlies (121 points, 44 First Team votes) and Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls (62 points, 18 First Team votes).

Players were awarded two points for each First Team vote and one point for each Second Team vote.  Voters were asked to select two guards, two forwards and one center for each team, choosing players at the position they play regularly.  Players who received votes at multiple positions were slotted at the position where they received the most votes.