The NBA has unveiled its All-Defensive teams for the 2023-24 season, highlighting standout defenders across the league. Leading the charge is Minnesota Timberwolves’ center and Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, who secured a unanimous selection.
Joining Gobert on the first team are San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones, and Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis.
Meanwhile, the second team features Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso, Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs, Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels, and Celtics guard Jrue Holiday.
Gobert, with this selection, marks his seventh appearance on the All-Defensive team and also clinched his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award, tying an NBA record. He played a pivotal role in anchoring the top-ranked defense for the Timberwolves this season, averaging 14 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game.
Victor Wembanyama, in his rookie campaign, continues to shine, earning unanimous Rookie of the Year honors and securing a spot on the All-Defensive first team. He led the league in blocks with an impressive average of 3.6 per game.
Adebayo, after two consecutive seasons as a second-team All-Defensive selection, earns his first-team debut this season. Herb Jones, a defensive stalwart for the Pelicans, earns his first All-Defensive selection in his three seasons in the league. Anthony Davis secures his fifth All-Defensive team nod.
Both the Timberwolves and Celtics boast two players each on the All-Defensive teams. Alongside Gobert, Jaden McDaniels represents the Timberwolves on the second team, while Derrick White and Jrue Holiday anchor the Celtics’ formidable defensive backcourt. Notably, both teams have advanced to the NBA’s conference finals. Holiday, a seasoned defender, earns his sixth All-Defensive team selection and has been named to the first team thrice in his career.
