Who Were the NBA's Best Defenders in 2018? A Complete Analysis
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 player movement and defensive schemes, I can confidently say that 2018 was a standout year for stoppers, disruptors, and all-around defensive anchors. Defense might not always make the highlight reels, but it wins championships—and that year, we saw some truly special individual efforts. I remember watching game tape late into the night, marveling at how certain players could single-handedly shift momentum with a well-timed steal or a suffocating close-out.
One name that immediately comes to mind, and someone I’ve always held in high regard, is Rudy Gobert. The Utah Jazz center was an absolute force in the paint, and his impact went far beyond the box score. Gobert averaged 2.3 blocks per game and anchored a Jazz defense that allowed just 102.4 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor. I’ve always believed that the true test of a defender is how they elevate their team, and Gobert was the perfect example. His presence alone deterred drivers and forced offenses into uncomfortable, low-percentage shots. Watching him patrol the key was like watching a chess master control the board—he seemed to know where the ball was going before the offense did.
Then there’s Draymond Green. Love him or hate him, and I’ll admit I’m firmly in the “love” camp when it comes to his defensive IQ, Green was the heart of the Golden State Warriors’ switching defense. He might not have had the gaudy block numbers—he averaged 1.3 blocks and 1.4 steals—but his versatility was off the charts. I recall one game where he guarded all five positions in a single possession, something very few players in league history can do. His ability to communicate, direct traffic, and make split-second decisions is what made him so invaluable. In my view, Green’s understanding of defensive rotations is arguably the best I’ve seen in the modern era.
Of course, we can’t talk about 2018 defense without mentioning Victor Oladipo. His transformation into a two-way star was one of the season’s best stories. Oladipo led the league in steals with 2.4 per game, and his on-ball pressure was relentless. I remember thinking how he set the tone for the Indiana Pacers with his defensive energy—he wasn’t just reacting; he was dictating. His quick hands and anticipation led to countless fast-break opportunities, turning defense into instant offense. It’s a shame injuries later slowed him down, because in 2018, he was playing at an All-Defensive First Team level.
Another defender who deserves more credit, in my opinion, is Al Horford. While he didn’t put up flashy stats—just 1.1 blocks per game—his positioning and basketball IQ were exceptional. Horford was the backbone of the Boston Celtics’ defense, which finished the season with a defensive rating of 103.1, one of the best in the league. He consistently made the right reads, whether it was hedging on pick-and-rolls or providing weak-side help. I’ve always appreciated defenders who rely on smarts over athleticism, and Horford was a masterclass in that department.
On the perimeter, players like Jrue Holiday and Jimmy Butler brought a level of physicality that was just brutal to play against. Holiday, in particular, stood out to me with his ability to guard both point guards and wings. He averaged 1.5 steals and often took on the toughest assignments night in and night out. Butler, meanwhile, used his strength and tenacity to disrupt opposing scorers. I’ll never forget his performance against James Harden in one regular-season game where he made life miserable for the MVP candidate, holding him to 5-of-21 shooting. That’s the kind of defensive effort that sticks with you.
Looking back, what made the 2018 defensive landscape so fascinating was the blend of traditional rim protectors and switch-everything defenders. The game was evolving, and these players were at the forefront. Gobert represented the old-school anchor, while Green epitomized the modern, positionless defender. Oladipo and Holiday showed how guards could dominate on that end without sacrificing offensive output. In my experience, the best defenses have a mix of both, and 2018 had that in spades. It wasn’t just about individual stats; it was about how these players fit into their team’s system and made everyone around them better.
As the season progressed, it became clear that defense was still the cornerstone of winning basketball. The teams with the top defenders often found themselves in the playoffs, and in some cases, deep into the postseason. I’ve always believed that offense sells tickets, but defense wins games—and the 2018 season reinforced that belief. From Gobert’s rim protection to Green’s versatility, the league was filled with players who took pride in shutting down their opponents. It’s a reminder that while scoring may get the headlines, it’s the defenders who often leave the lasting impact.