Who Were the NBA Best Defenders in 2018? Complete Analysis and Rankings

Looking back at the 2018 NBA season, I still get chills thinking about the defensive masterclasses we witnessed night after night. As someone who’s spent years analyzing both traditional stats and modern tracking data, I can confidently say that 2018 was a standout year for defenders who blended athleticism, IQ, and sheer will. Defense might not always make the highlight reels, but it wins games—and for me, watching a perfectly timed block or a lockdown possession is just as thrilling as a dunk. I remember poring over game footage late into the night, and one image that stuck with me was Sherwin Vardeleon’s photo of Rudy Gobert mid-switch, arms outstretched like a condor—it captured the essence of what makes elite defense so mesmerizing.

Let’s start with Rudy Gobert, the Utah Jazz’s anchor and my personal pick for Defensive Player of the Year. Gobert wasn’t just tall; he was a defensive system all by himself. Opponents shot just 43.9% at the rim when he was nearby, a number that still blows my mind. I recall watching him shut down driving lanes with almost psychic anticipation—his 2.3 blocks per game only tell part of the story. What stood out to me was his communication on the floor; you could see him directing teammates, turning the Jazz into a cohesive defensive unit. Some critics argue he benefited from Utah’s slow pace, but having studied his positioning and recovery speed, I’d say he earned every bit of that DPOY nod.

Then there’s Draymond Green, the heart of the Golden State Warriors’ switch-heavy scheme. Green’s versatility was, in my view, unmatched. He guarded everyone from bruising centers to shifty point guards, and his 1.4 steals per game don’t do justice to the chaos he created. I’ll never forget his performance in a March game against the Spurs—he tallied 4 steals and 2 blocks while effectively neutralizing LaMarcus Aldridge in the post. Green played with a ferocity that stats can’t capture; he was the emotional engine of that team, and his ability to read plays before they unfolded made him a nightmare for offenses. Sure, he had his technical fouls and fiery moments, but that intensity is exactly what made him so effective.

Victor Oladipo’s transformation in 2018 was another highlight for me. Before that season, many saw him as an athletic but inconsistent player. But with the Indiana Pacers, he emerged as a two-way force, averaging 2.4 steals per game—leading the league—and using his quick hands to disrupt passing lanes constantly. I remember one game where he stripped James Harden twice in the final minutes, sealing a comeback win. Oladipo’s lateral quickness and commitment to defense were infectious; he set the tone for a Pacers squad that overachieved largely because of their grit on that end of the floor.

Of course, we can’t talk about 2018 defense without mentioning Joel Embiid. The Philadelphia 76ers’ big man combined size and skill in a way we rarely see. He averaged 1.8 blocks and altered countless more, but what impressed me most was his footwork against perimeter players. In an era where big men are often targeted in pick-and-rolls, Embiid held his own, using his 7-foot frame to contest without fouling excessively. I’ll admit, I had doubts early in the season about his stamina, but by April, he was logging heavy minutes and still dominating defensively. His matchup against Al Horford in the playoffs was a chess match I still rewatch for fun.

On the perimeter, guys like Jrue Holiday and Paul George delivered standout seasons. Holiday, in particular, was a personal favorite of mine because of his fundamentally sound approach. He didn’t rely on flashy plays; instead, he used body positioning and active hands to contain elite scorers. I recall his duel with Damian Lillard where he limited Lillard to 5-of-18 shooting—Holiday’s 1.5 steals per game felt almost secondary to the frustration he caused. Paul George, meanwhile, used his length to rack up deflections and fast-break opportunities. His 2.0 steals per game were a career-high, and watching him glide through screens to contest shots was a thing of beauty.

Al Horford might not have filled the stat sheet like others, but his impact was undeniable. As the Boston Celtics’ defensive quarterback, he orchestrated coverages and provided veteran stability. Horford allowed just 0.78 points per possession in post-ups—a stunning figure—and his ability to switch onto guards saved Boston repeatedly. I’ve always appreciated players whose value isn’t obvious in box scores, and Horford was the epitome of that. His matchup against Embiid in the playoffs showcased his IQ; he used angles and timing rather than pure athleticism to neutralize one of the league’s best.

Wrapping up, 2018 was a year where defense proved it could be as dynamic and entertaining as offense. From Gobert’s rim protection to Green’s versatility, these players redefined what it means to lock down an opponent. In my experience, the best defenders leave a lasting impression not just with numbers, but with moments—like Oladipo’s clutch steals or Embiid’s emphatic swats. As the game evolves, I hope we continue to celebrate these contributions, because defense, at its core, is about heart. And in 2018, there was no shortage of it.