Ranking the Top 10 Best Defensive Shooting Guards in the NBA
We look at the best defensive shooting guards in the NBA, which includes some of the best two-way players.
Online NBA betting fans often highly regard shooting guards because of their offensive skills, but being a good defensive PG is important in the modern game.
Heading our list is Matisse Thybulle, best known for his good defense, which has helped many teams in his NBA career.
Top 10 Defensive Shooting Guards in the NBA
1. Matisse Thybulle
Thybulle has earned a reputation as one of the NBA’s premier defensive specialists. Known for his incredible instincts, quick hands, and remarkable wingspan (7 feet), Thybulle is a nightmare for opposing ball handlers. He easily disrupts passing lanes, and his ability to guard multiple positions makes him an invaluable asset for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Thybulle’s ability to accumulate steals and blocks is extraordinary for a perimeter defender. His career averages of 1.6 steals and one block per game show his defensive impact.
Despite sometimes being limited by his offensive game, Thybulle consistently makes game-changing defensive plays. Whether guarding shooting guards or switching onto point guards and small forwards, his defensive versatility and relentless energy make him one of the best defenders in the NBA today.
2. Marcus Smart
After spending much of his career with the Boston Celtics, Marcus Smart joined the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023, bringing his elite defensive skills. The 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year is known for his bulldog mentality, toughness, and leadership on the defensive end. Smart is excellent at guarding the perimeter, using his strong frame and quick feet to stay in front of opposing guards.
What separates Smart from other defensive guards is his intelligence. He anticipates plays, disrupts passing lanes, and takes charges—often in crucial moments. He’s not afraid to switch onto bigger players in the post or guard elite scorers on the perimeter, making him one of the most versatile defensive guards in the league.
His combination of toughness, awareness, and intensity sets the tone for any team’s defense, and he’s always fun to watch on both sides of the ball.
3. Jrue Holiday
Jrue Holiday, who joined the Boston Celtics in 2023, is regarded as one of the best all-around defenders in the NBA at the shooting guard position. Whether locking down point guards or taking on the challenge of guarding elite wings, Holiday’s combination of strength, lateral quickness, and defensive IQ allows him to guard virtually any position on the floor.
Holiday has earned multiple All-Defensive Team selections throughout his career and has consistently been a defensive anchor for his teams.
His on-ball defense is as good as it gets, as he can contain quick guards and hold his own against bigger players. Holiday’s ability to create turnovers, combined with his calm demeanor under pressure, makes him one of the most reliable defenders in the league.
4. OG Anunoby
Though OG Anunoby often plays small forward, his defensive skills as a shooting guard cannot be overlooked. Anunoby has become one of the most versatile and physically imposing defenders in the NBA. Standing at 6’7″ with a 7’2″ wingspan, Anunoby can guard multiple positions and often takes on the challenge of defending the opposing team’s best perimeter scorer.
Anunoby’s ability to contest shots, disrupt passing lanes, and guard in isolation makes him one of the league’s most feared defenders.
He combines his size, strength, and speed to create mismatches on defense, allowing him to switch onto any player easily. His 2023 season saw him lead the league in steals, further cementing his place among the NBA’s elite defenders.
Undoubtedly, he’s on the list of the best defensive shooting guards in the NBA.
5. Derrick White
Derrick White has quietly developed into one of the ultimate NBA point guards. His defense has been critical for the Celtics, especially after Marcus Smart’s departure.
White’s instincts and shot-blocking ability make him a standout on the defensive end. He’s particularly effective in pick-and-roll situations, where he excels at containing ball handlers and recovering quickly.
White has earned a reputation for making clutch defensive plays, whether getting a key stop late in games or making a crucial steal. His ability to guard multiple positions and his high basketball IQ make him a perfect fit in the Celtics’ defensive system.
He can also score, in addition to his defensive skills, and he was a key part of Boston’s 2023 title success.
6. Devin Vassell
Devin Vassell is one of the most promising young defenders in the league. The San Antonio Spurs guard has quickly gained recognition for his PG defensive prowess. Vassell uses his 6’7″ frame and long wingspan to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes, making life difficult for opposing perimeter players.
Vassell’s lateral quickness allows him to stay in front of smaller, quicker guards, while his length helps him contest shots from beyond the arc. He’s also shown the ability to guard multiple positions, giving the Spurs flexibility on defense.
We expect to see more of Vassell over the coming years.
7. Gary Payton II
Like his Hall of Fame father, Gary Payton II has carved out a reputation as one of the league’s toughest defenders. Despite standing just 6’3″, Payton plays much bigger than his size due to his incredible athleticism, physicality, and tenacity.
He’s capable of guarding multiple positions, including shooting guards, point guards, and even small forwards, and although he’s often an unsung hero of the team, we haven’t overlooked his ability.
Payton was instrumental in the Golden State Warriors’ 2022 championship run, providing elite defense off the bench. However, his stock has decreased since he’s one of the better defensive PGs in the league.
8. Alex Caruso
One of our favorites, Alex Caruso, has become one of the NBA’s most respected perimeter defenders thanks to his relentless effort and smarts.
Caruso’s ability to stay in front of elite guards, contest shots, and disrupt plays made him a key contributor for the Bulls before he was signed by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Caruso creates turnovers, using his quick hands to generate steals. His energy and hustle set the tone for his team’s defense, and he’s often tasked with guarding the opponent’s best perimeter scorer.
Caruso’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet, as his leadership and communication on the defensive end are crucial. He is a highly sought-after PG for his defense.
9. Donte DiVincenzo
Donte DiVincenzo brings a tenacious defensive mentality to every game. The former Villanova Wildcat has been excellent since arriving in the NBA, playing for the Knicks and now the Timberwolves.
DiVincenzo’s physicality and toughness make him a tough defender and an important shooter in one-on-one situations. He’s one of the more streaky and best shooting guards in the NBA, and that offense is a bonus.
He’s great on defense, and his talent hasn’t been overlooked at the elite level. The Knicks will miss him.
10. Josh Hart
Josh Hart’s versatility as a defender makes him one of the best defensive shooting guards in the NBA.
Hart’s relentless hustle and willingness to do the dirty work — whether diving for loose balls or taking charges—make him a player that any coach would love to have.
He’s also an excellent rebounder for his size, often leading his team in defensive rebounds from the guard position. He can make the right play at the right time, so he’s worth including on our list as a top 10 defensive shooting guard.
Questions of the Day
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
We think Matisse Tybulle is the best defensive shooting guard in the NBA.
Is shooting guard a defensive position?
Shooting guard isn’t known as a defensive position, but it’s becoming more important in the modern NBA.
