As an avid basketball fan, I am excited to introduce the NBA’s All-Defense teams for the upcoming 2022-2023 season. This year, two players have stood out for their exceptional defensive skills: Draymond Green and Dillon Brooks. These players have shown their ability to protect their teams from their opponents and have earned their place among the top defenders in the league. Let’s take a closer look at their performances, along with the other players who have made the cut for this prestigious honor.
Introducing the NBA’s All-Defense Teams for 2022-2023
As the 2022-2023 NBA season draws to a close, it is time to recognize the stars who have excelled in defense over the past 82 games. The NBA annually selects the best defensive players from the league, and this year is no different. The All-Defense teams for 2022-2023 have been announced, and along with some usual suspects, there are some surprise inclusions.
First Team All-Defense
Headlining the First Team All-Defense is the recent DPOY winner, Draymond Green. Green’s prowess on defense has been well documented, with his versatile ability to defend multiple positions and create turnovers a standout trait. His impact is highlighted in the Golden State Warriors’ defensive systems as they currently have the best defense in the league.
Joining Green on the First Team is Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons. Simmons’ ability to defend both guard positions and multiple forwards-while being an elite rim defender- makes him a valuable asset to any defense.
Third on the First Team is Rudy Gobert, the reigning two-time DPOY. Gobert led the league in blocked shots, identical to last year when he won the award for the second time. Gobert is a force to be reckoned with, both manning the paint and intercepting passes, and he will be a difficult obstacle for any team to overcome in the playoffs.
Fourth on the list is New York Knicks’ Julius Randle. This is a somewhat surprising inclusion, given that Randle is a power forward and hasn’t been known for his defense. However, he proved himself this year with his ability to guard multiple positions and create turnovers. Randle’s ability to lead the Knicks, with the fifth-best defense in the league, definitely caught the eyes of the voters.
Completing the First Team All-Defense is one of the best young guards in the league, the Miami Heat’s Tyler Herro. Herro’s defensive ability pleasantly surprised Heat coach Erik Spoelstra as he was named the starting shooting guard ahead of the veteran Victor Oladipo. Herro held his own, proving to be an asset on defense with his quick reflexes and timely interceptions.
Second Team All-Defense
The Second Team All-Defense is led by the perennial All-Defense team player, Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis’s athleticism, length and ability to switch between positions make him a valuable defender to any team, and his inclusion on the list is no surprise.
The next two positions go to Utah Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell and Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler. Mitchell put up impressive numbers, averaging two steals per game and four deflections, while Butler’s grit and defensive intensity played a major role in the Heat making it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Fourth on the Second Team All-Defense is Memphis Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks. Brooks has garnered much attention for his lock-down defense during the second half of the season, leaving his mark on some of the league’s top players, including Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard. Brooks’ ability to defend multiple positions has been a revelation this season, and his inclusion on the All-Defense team is well-deserved.
Completing the Second Team All-Defense is Phoenix Suns’ Mikal Bridges. Bridges was a revelation this season, making significant contributions on both ends of the floor as the Suns finished with the league’s second-best record. His quick reflexes, length and ability to defend multiple positions make him a valuable asset to any team, and a deserving recipient of this accolade.
Analysis
The list of All-Defense players this year is impressive, punctuated by a number of young, new players making a name for themselves on defense. Tyler Herro, who was previously known for his offensive abilities, has proven his worth on the defensive end and has earned recognition on the NBA’s All-Defense team alongside proven veterans such as Jimmy Butler and Ben Simmons.
Another player who has made an impression on the defensive end this season is Dillon Brooks. The Canadian shooting guard has been key to the Memphis Grizzlies’ success, providing a spark on both sides of the ball. Brooks’ inclusion on the All-Defense team is hardly a surprise, as his fierce tenacity has earned him a reputation as one of the league’s top perimeter defenders.
Julius Randle is another player who raised eyebrows with his inclusion on the All-Defense team. The New York Knicks’ forward was previously not known for his defense, but his improvements this year have been evident, and he has earned his place. Randle’s ability to guard multiple positions and create turnovers make him a valuable asset to any defense.
Overall, the list of All-Defense teams for 2022-2023 is deserving of the players selected. Many of these players have proven themselves to be elite defenders this season, making significant contributions on both ends of the floor for their respective teams. They will undoubtedly be difficult to overcome in the playoffs, as they look to lead their teams to NBA supremacy.
