Top 5 perimeter defenders ahead of 2024-25 NBA season
Despite its value, perimeter defense is often overlooked in the NBA. The Defensive Player of the Year conversation is often dominated by big men who reject shots at a high rate. Meanwhile, guards and forwards who keep the perimeter secure are almost an afterthought for the award.
In fact, since the 2003-04 season, only three perimeter players have won DPOY. Those are Metta Sandiford-Artest (2004), Kawhi Leonard (2015 & 2016) and Marcus Smart (2022).
Draymond Green and Giannis Antetokounmpo also won the award in 2017 and 2020, respectively. However, they are more hybrid defensive players who can protect both the paint and perimeter.
Regardless of the seeming lack of recognition, perimeter defenders play an important role. In fact, their importance has grown in recent years as teams have gravitated toward perimeter-oriented offenses.
Here's a closer look at the five best perimeter defenders coming into the NBA's 2024-25 season.
Also Read: Top 5 rim protectors ahead of 2024-25 NBA season
Top 5 perimeter defenders ahead of 2024-25 NBA season
#5. OG Anunoby
Among the players on this list, OG Anunoby is the only one who didn't get recognition for his defensive efforts last season. The New York Knick wasn't named to either of the All-Defensive Teams and never received a single vote for DPOY.
Anunoby can keep up with fast players and can hold his ground against stronger players. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses makes him one of the most valuable players coming into the 2024-25 season.
#4. Alex Caruso
Alex Caruso is quick, scrappy and he hustles for the ball. Last season, he averaged 1.7 steals as well as 1.0 blocks per game. His efforts on the defensive end were recognized by being named to the All-Defensive second team. He also got one third-place vote for DPOY.
Caruso will continue to bring the same level of energy this season as he has every year he's been in the league. Expect the OKC Thunder to become a disruptive unit when he's on the court.
#3. Derrick White
Derrick White's defensive abilities can sometimes fly under the radar due to all the other things he does well. White is the definition of a do-it-all guard. He scores, makes plays and crashes the boards.
On defense, people might be surprised that he's a solid rim defender. Aside from that, he always seems to be one step ahead, getting into passing lanes and reading driving angles well. White has been named to the NBA's All-Defensive second team the past two seasons and has also earned some votes for DPOY.
#2. Jaden McDaniels
Jaden McDaniels has emerged as an elite lockdown defender. At 6-foot-9, with a nearly 7-foot-long wingspan, he excels at bothering players in the perimeter.
His defensive impact isn't reflected by his low spg and bpg averages. However, his ability to stay glued to his man and make it hard for them to get easy buckets earns him a spot on this list.
#1. Jrue Holiday
Jrue Holiday has consistently been among the NBA's best defenders. He always earns votes for DPOY and is somewhat of a permanent fixture on the All-Defensive first and second teams.
Holiday is strong and he is agile, he's also a master of hip movement. He can quickly change direction and it's nearly impossible to dribble past him. Off the ball, he maintains coverage, keeping up with his man even if he runs through screens.
Honorable mention: Herb Jones
Herb Jones has shown that he's an elite-level defender. This was backed up by the fact that he was the only non-center to be named to last year's All-Defensive first team.
Jones wins his defensive matchups more often than not regardless of where he's guarding. It could be in the paint or the perimeter and it still won't matter to him. What sets him apart is that he doesn't exclusively guard the perimeter.
Which perimeter defenders are you most excited to watch next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.