In the latest season, players in their 20s rewrote the book on defence. Dominating on defence, from tall shot-blockers to constant perimeter defenders, the league’s leaders set the benchmark in combined steals and blocks by recording the highest 'stock' total. Below are the top 10 lockdown players from this season.
1. Dyson Daniels – Atlanta Hawks (SG)
Steals per game: 3.0
Blocks per game: 0.8
Total Stocks: 229
As 'The Great Barrier Thief', Dyson Daniels turned into a shutdown defender, grabbing 3.0 steals per game and making 229 for the season. His record-breaking 202 steals placed him at the top of the NBA and made him the youngest to get 200 steals in one year, since Magic Johnson held the prior record for that achievement by 236 days. Daniels did more than just grab steals; he also had more deflections than any other player in the league, with 366. Because of his outstanding achievements, he won the Most Improved Player Award and came in second in the competition for Defensive Player of the Year.
2. Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs (PF/C)
Blocks per game: 3.8
Steals per game: 1.1
Total Stocks: 4.9 per game (in 46 games)
Despite not finishing his season due to a shoulder problem, rookie standout Victor Wembanyama averaged 3.8 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. His 4.9 stocks every game were more than any other player, showing his leading defence. Because of his unique strength, agility and good timing, Wembanyama was regularly able to change shots and upset opposing teams’ offence.
3. Anthony Davis – Dallas Mavericks (PF/C)
Blocks per game: 2.1
Steals per game: 1.3
Total Stocks: 3.4 per game
Davis was once again a key defender for the team with his rejection of shots and defence on the perimeter. Player X's outstanding play helped him defend 2.1 blocks and 1.3 steals each game, which allowed him to fit in at any position on defence. When he was stuck in the paint, it discouraged shooters, and he also swiftly interrupted their teammates' passing.
4. Walker Kessler– Utah Jazz (C)
Blocks per game: 2.4
Steals per game: 0.6
Total Stocks: 3.0 per game
Second-year centre Walker Kessler proved he’s one of the best defenders in the NBA, leading the league with 2.4 blocks per game. Thanks to marginal motion and good post positioning, he made the paint his home, changing several shots and supporting the Jazz’s protection beneath the hoop.
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder (PG)
Steals per game: 1.8
Blocks per game: 1.2
Total Stocks: 3.0 per game
Although primarily recognised for his offence, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got an MVP nod by averaging 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks in each contest. His ability to play back in the paint gave him the chance to break up passing lanes and defend shots, leading to the Thunder’s excellent defensive numbers.
6. Jaren Jackson Jr. – Memphis Grizzlies (PF/C)
Blocks per game: 2.2
Steals per game: 0.8
Total Stocks: 3.0 per game
In his 2023 campaign, Golden State Warriors player Jaren Jackson Jr. continued to be a strong defender. He would average two blocks and one steal a game, allowing him to switch to defend either taller or smaller players on the team.
7. Myles Turner – Indiana Pacers (C)
Blocks per game: 2.0
Steals per game: 0.7
Total Stocks: 2.7 per game
Myles Turner kept blocking shots regularly, recording 2.0 per game. He could patrol the paint because of his well-timed defensive awareness and he also showed great skill reading how others passed the ball.
8. Amen Thompson – Houston Rockets (SG)
Blocks per game: 1.1
Steals per game: 1.5
Total Stocks: 2.6 per game
Second-year guard Amen Thompson was a key defender and ended the season as the team’s top blocker and stealer. Because of his athleticism and hard work, he could play different defensive roles and 2.6 stocks a game stood for his significant role on defence.
9. Brook Lopez – Milwaukee Bucks (C)
Blocks per game: 1.8
Steals per game: 0.6
Total Stocks: 2.4 per game
Brook Lopez continued to play a major role in defence for the Bucks, racking up 1.8 blocks per game. Because of his experience and role in defence, Al Horford was effective at guarding the rim and also helped by grabbing 0.6 steals per game.
10. Scottie Barnes – Toronto Raptors (SF)
Blocks per game: 1.0
Steals per game: 1.4
Total Stocks: 2.4 per game
He was versatile in helping the defence, averaging 1.0 blocked shot and 1.4 steals each game. Because of his size and speed, he could get on attackers in different areas and prevent scores.
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Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
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