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From Rodman to Pippen: NBA’s Greatest Defenders Ranked
When we think about the best defenders in NBA history, we’re talking about the guys who made the game hard for anyone who faced them. They didn’t just stop the top scorers; they shut down entire offenses and forced teams to change their game plan.
So, let’s dive into the list of top NBA defenders—and note just how hard it is to crack this list. We’re talking about the top 10 power forwards of all time and other legends who left their mark in more ways than just scoring.
Ranking the NBA’s Greatest Defenders
Hakeem Olajuwon
If there’s one player who knew how to dominate both ends of the floor, it’s Hakeem Olajuwon. Whether blocking shots or making opposing big men second-guess their every move, Olajuwon owned the paint and is one of the best international players in the NBA ever to play.
His nine All-Defensive Team selections and two Defensive Player of the Year awards aren’t just accolades—they’re proof of his place as one of the best basketball defenders of all time. His ability to shut down the interior while still putting up massive offensive numbers made him a true force. Hakeem Olajuwon wasn’t just a scoring machine—he was a nightmare for any offensive player who dared to enter his domain, and still ranks first all-time as one of the players with the most blocks in NBA history.
Bill Russell
Bill Russell may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of modern defensive statistics, but when we’re talking about NBA greatest defenders, he’s a no-brainer behind Olajuwon. Standing 6’10” with a wingspan that could block out the sun, Russell redefined what it meant to control the game without putting up points.
With 11 championships and five MVP awards, Russell didn’t just play defense—he embodied it. He may not be at the top of the rebound charts anymore, but his influence on the game is unmatched. Russell showed that the best basketball defender can lead teams to victory without ever needing to put up a barrage of points. Even today, his legacy lives on as one of the best defenders in NBA history.
Dennis Rodman
When you think of Dennis Rodman, you might picture his wild personality and eccentric off-court antics. But let’s be real—his on-court defense was just as wild. Sure, he had some help from Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, but Rodman’s relentless defense was a huge reason the Chicago Bulls won five championships. He consistently frustrated the league’s top offenses and scorers, causing chaos wherever he went on the floor.
Like him or not, Rodman was the Swiss Army knife of types of defense in basketball, able to shut down anyone, from the paint to the perimeter. Whether it was his rebounding dominance, on-ball pressure, or versatility guarding multiple positions, Rodman covered it all.
Scottie Pippen
If you want to talk about top NBA defenders, you can’t leave out Scottie Pippen. Sure, he had Michael Jordan beside him, but Pippen was the best defensive shooting guard in the NBA you could have asked for. His long wingspan, quick feet, and basketball IQ made him a pest on the perimeter and a nightmare in passing lanes.
Pippen’s ability to defend both wings and forwards at a high level helped him earn a spot as one of the best defenders in NBA history. His versatility and size allowed him to guard just about anyone—from Magic Johnson to Charles Barkley—and do it without a problem. With the top 20 NBA players of all time constantly shifting, Pippen’s place on this list easily remains secure.
Ben Wallace
If there’s one player who could erase your chances of scoring without breaking a sweat, it’s Ben Wallace. To be remembered, the 6’9” center didn’t need to make highlight-reel dunks or flash a scoring average—his defense spoke for itself. With four Defensive Player of the Year awards, Wallace made it clear that he was more than just a stopper—he was the backbone of the Detroit Pistons’ defensive powerhouse.
Ranking 16th on the all-time block list, Wallace used his shot-blocking skills to make life miserable for opponents. And let’s not forget, with hands the size of dinner plates, no one was getting an easy bucket when he was around. Wallace is definitely in the conversation if you’re wondering who has the biggest hands in the NBA.
So, to answer your questions: the greatest defender in NBA history? Bill Russell’s 11 championships and dominance in the paint are tough to beat. As for the highest defensive rating in NBA history? That’s Gar Heard, proving defense is about more than just scoring—it’s about making sure the other team doesn’t score. When we talk about the best PF defender, Ben Wallace wins that hands down, thanks to his ability to lock down any position. And while Tony Allen was a defensive nightmare, calling him the absolute best is a bit of a stretch.
