When thinking about the best defensive guards in NBA history, there's a lot to appreciate about game-changers from different decades. Picture starting in the '70s with players like Walt Frazier. Frazier, also known as "Clyde," had quick hands and impeccable positioning, leading the New York Knicks to multiple Championships. He averaged over 2 steals per game during an era when steal stats weren't even officially recorded until 1973. His sense of court awareness was unparalleled for his time.
Jump to the '80s, and you find Sidney Moncrief leading the charge. Moncrief, playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, earned Defensive Player of the Year awards in back-to-back seasons (1983 and 1984). His hallmark was a tenacious, dog-like effort on defense. Moncrief was known to shut down perimeter scorers and had an extraordinary ability to read offensive plays—racking up stats that led the Bucks to multiple playoff appearances.
If you talk about the '90s, Gary Payton immediately comes to mind. Nicknamed "The Glove," Payton was the epitome of defensive prowess. With the Seattle SuperSonics, Payton led all guards with nine NBA All-Defensive First Team selections. His defensive win shares were among the highest for guards during the decade, showcasing a blend of physical and mental toughness that was crucial in slowing down offensive threats. Payton's crowning achievement was his role in leading the Sonics to the 1996 NBA Finals.
As basketball moved into the 2000s, the name that dominates the conversation is Tony Allen. Known as "The Grindfather," Allen was an anchor for the Memphis Grizzlies' gritty "Grit-and-Grind" era. With six NBA All-Defensive Team selections, Allen transformed the Grizzlies into one of the toughest defensive teams, often guarding the opponents' best perimeter player and making them earn every point. His defensive metrics, particularly in terms of Defensive Real Plus-Minus (DRPM), were consistently among the best in the league.
In recent years, the 2010s have seen the rise of guards like Kawhi Leonard and Marcus Smart. Although Leonard is often mentioned as a forward, his defensive responsibilities often placed him in guard positions. Leonard, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, has shown incredible flexibility and effectiveness in switching onto guards and shutting them down. His defensive box plus-minus (DBPM) during his peak years was outstanding. Marcus Smart, on the other hand, brings an undeniable tenacity and versatility. Playing for the Boston Celtics, he was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, proving that his impact goes beyond mere statistics—though he also led guards in steals per game multiple seasons.
Many fans today look at advanced metrics to gauge a player's defensive effectiveness better. For instance, Defensive Rating and Adjusted Defensive Rating provide an in-depth look into a player's impact on that side of the court. An example of such impactful metrics is Rudy Gobert's outstanding performances, but he primarily plays as a center. Thus, Smart's recognition amidst big men showcases a guard's unique ability in an often underrated aspect of the game.
So, who will carry the torch into the 2020s? There are already great contenders like Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks. Known for his incredible on-ball defense, Holiday was instrumental in the Bucks' 2021 Championship run. With multiple All-Defensive Team selections, his defensive stats usually rank among the top guards, and he is particularly noted for his steal rate and defensive win shares.
Reflecting upon these decades, it's clear that defense is not just about blocking shots or grabbing rebounds; it's an art. An art that involves anticipation, positioning, and a relentless mindset. These attributes are not only found in center and forward positions but are equally essential for guards, who often set the tone from the perimeter. Fans can catch the latest analysis and more in-depth views on defense statistics on arena plus.
Looking back at the NBA, many argue about the greatest scorer or the best offensive player, but defense—especially by guards—often wins championships. Guards like Walt Frazier, Sidney Moncrief, Gary Payton, Tony Allen, and the recent stars like Kawhi Leonard and Marcus Smart have solidified their legacies not by scoring, but by stopping others from scoring. As game styles evolve, so too will the guards, but the essence of being the game's best defender remains an ever-important title.