As the NBA evolves, many former players emphasize that defensive skills now require more technique than physical strength, making the task even more complex. However, Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green has distinguished himself as a top defender for 13 years. This season, even at 35, he vied for the Defensive Player of the Year award and finished third. Known for his expertise, Green recently revealed his picks for the top five defenders of all time.
During his podcast, The Draymond Show, Green engaged with fans in a lively Q&A session. When asked to name his top five defenders in NBA history, his response sparked considerable discussion. “My top five in no particular order is myself, Ben Wallace, Tony Allen, Tim Duncan and Hakeem Olajuwon,“ he expressed.
Despite the Warriors’ veteran showing deep respect for legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, he left them off his list. He explained that he never saw them play. Relying only on statistics, he said, does not fully capture a player’s greatness. He added that watching someone play offers a better sense of their true impact.
Tim Duncan’s selection sparked little debate among NBA fans. The San Antonio Spurs legend is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in league history. A two-time MVP and 15-time All-Defensive Team selection, Duncan built a legacy as one of the most fundamentally sound and dominant big men to ever play the game.
Ben Wallace’s case was very different. Many fans disagreed with his inclusion, as they mostly saw him as a physical enforcer. However, Wallace won four Defensive Player of the Year awards. That success placed him among the most dominant defenders of his era. Despite the controversy, he became a game-changer for the Detroit Pistons.
Hakeem Olajuwon, like Duncan, drew little criticism. Fans remember ‘The Dream’ as a player ahead of his time, effortlessly blending size, skill, and finesse. He led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1993–94 and 1994–95, earning Finals MVP honors both years while showcasing one of the most refined post games the league has ever seen.
Tony Allen holds a special place in league history. Over 14 years, he played in 820 NBA games. He became a role model for modern defenders. Many players studied his defensive intensity and discipline. Even Kobe Bryant once called him the toughest defender he ever faced, during a BodyArmor press conference.