Defensive Player Ladder | NBA.com

Defensive Player Ladder

Defensive Player Ladder: Gobert finishes at No. 1
Utah's defensive superstar holds off Philadelphia's Ben Simmons and Miami's Bam Adebayo for the No. 1 spot.
May 18, 2021
Defensive Player Ladder: Gobert, Simmons lead the pack
The Jazz center takes over the No. 1 spot as both players hope to solidify their case for the award this week.
May 11, 2021
Defensive Player Ladder: Does DPOY lead to title?
How much does having the NBA's top defender lead to a championship?
May 4, 2021
Defensive Player Ladder: Dikembe Mutombo Q&A
Four-time Defensive Player of the Year shares his expertise before this week's ranking, where Ben Simmons climbs to the top.
April 27, 2021
Defensive Player Ladder: Gobert stays on top
Rudy Gobert holds the No. 1 spot while Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo climb this week's Top 5.
April 20, 2021
Defensive Player Ladder: The art of coaching defense
Rudy Gobert and Ben Simmons stay on top as Minnesota's defensive coordinator explains the art of coaching defense.
April 13, 2021
Defensive Player Ladder: Gobert holds No. 1 spot
Rudy Gobert remains No. 1, Bam Adebayo cracks the Top 5 and Gary Payton II explains the importance of defensive pedigree.
April 6, 2021
Defensive Player Ladder: Turner climbs to No. 2
While Myles Turner is turning heads down low, T.J. McConnell is leading with effort in the backcourt.
March 30, 2021
Defensive Player Ladder: Q&A with Sidney Moncrief
As T.J. McConnell enters the Top 5, Hall of Famer Sidney Moncrief talks top defenders - from his era and now - in this week's ranking of the best defensive players.
March 23, 2021
Defensive Player Ladder: Simmons holds No. 1 spot
The Sixers will be challenged over the next 2-3 weeks without Embiid, who falls out of this week's ranking of the Top 5 defenders.
March 16, 2021
Defensive Player Ladder: Elite defenses are no 1-man show
The importance of team defense is on display in Utah and Philly, as we update the ranking of this season's Top 5 defenders.
March 9, 2021
Defensive Player Ladder: Simmons steals No. 1 spot
An updated look at the ranking of the Top 5 defenders in the NBA.
March 2, 2021

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