The NBA has witnessed some legendary defensive performances by guards, and these moments often define careers. Take Gary Payton, for example, who earned the nickname “The Glove” during his time with the Seattle SuperSonics. In the 1995-96 season, Payton’s defensive rating was an impressive 95.3, the kind of figure that any guard would dream of achieving. That’s around the same time he won the Defensive Player of the Year award, becoming the only point guard to ever do so. It’s clear why people remember him as one of the best ever to play defense from the guard position.
Of course, we can’t forget about Michael Jordan – his defensive skills were just as legendary as his scoring ability. During the 1987-88 season, Jordan amassed 259 steals, which translated to an average of 3.2 steals per game. That season alone makes it evident how versatile and impactful he was on both ends of the court. For a 6’6″ shooting guard, producing that kind of defensive stat line isn’t just rare; it’s extraordinary.
More recently, we have players like Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics who continue to showcase incredible defensive prowess. Winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in the 2021-2022 season, he averaged 1.7 steals per game and played a crucial role in the Celtics’ defensive identity. His defensive box plus-minus (DBPM) was 2.1, proving again how vital he is on that side of the floor. For a modern NBA guard, such numbers are nothing short of commendable.
Kobe Bryant’s individual defensive efforts also deserve mention. Over his career, he was selected for the NBA All-Defensive First Team nine times, a testament to his commitment to defense. Think about the 2009 NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic – his defensive tenacity on players like Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu was a key factor in the Lakers’ championship run. The fact he could switch from scoring proficiently to locking down the opposition sets him apart from many in NBA history.
Other guards like Allen Iverson and Chauncey Billups have also had moments of defensive brilliance. Iverson, despite being known more for his scoring, led the league in steals for multiple seasons. In 2001, Iverson recorded a career-high 225 steals, which translated to an average of 2.5 steals per game. It’s not often you see a player of his size, standing at just 6 feet, dominate in this fashion on defense.
Chauncey Billups, “Mr. Big Shot,” also made his mark on the defensive end during his time with the Detroit Pistons. In the 2003-2004 season, he averaged 1.5 steals per game and was a critical cog in the Pistons’ defensive machinery. His ability to not only score when needed but also stop opponents made him invaluable. His performances in the 2004 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he often matched up against the likes of Kobe Bryant, further solidified his defensive reputation.
And who could ignore John Stockton? Throughout his career, Stockton exemplified what it means to be a defensive stalwart from the guard position. Holding the NBA record for career steals with 3,265, it’s impossible not to include him in any conversation about defensive excellence. He averaged 2.2 steals per game over 19 seasons, showcasing the kind of consistency that’s rare in professional sports.
Then there’s Sidney Moncrief, who won the first two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1983 and 1984. We all know the era was dominated by physical play, yet Moncrief stood out with his relentlessness. Averaging 1.4 steals per game over his career, Moncrief’s impact went far beyond just numbers. His on-ball defense was suffocating, providing a blueprint for many of today’s defensive specialists.
We should also remember Tony Allen, a member of the 2010s Memphis Grizzlies known as the “Grit and Grind” era. Allen’s defensive Win Shares (WS) speak volumes. For three consecutive seasons from 2010-2013, he posted a defensive WS of over 4.5 each season, an impressive feat for any player but especially significant for a guard. His defensive intensity and leadership set a tone that affected the entire team’s defensive mindset.
How could we not mention Jason Kidd, one of the best defensive guards in NBA history? With his combination of size, quickness, and basketball IQ, Kidd made life difficult for opposing guards. He led the NBA in steals twice, with his best season coming in 2001-2002 when he averaged 2.1 steals per game. Over his career, he accumulated 2,684 steals, ranking second all-time in NBA history. His ability to anticipate the opposition’s moves was unmatched.
Lastly, let’s look at Chris Paul, a guard still actively redefining what it means to play defense. In the 2007-2008 season, Paul led the league with 2.7 steals per game, setting a tone for his career’s defensive accolades. His defensive Win Shares of 6.1 that season was among the highest for any guard, highlighting his significant impact. Even in his mid-30s, he continues to be one of the best defensive guards in the league.
The legacy of these guards is a testimony to their work ethic, game intelligence, and sheer determination. Their defensive performances are etched in NBA history, shaping the way we view guard play on both ends of the court. For more insights, check out arena plus.