Cade Cunningham Headlines Players Hindered By 65-Game Rule

All-Defensive Team candidates

• Victor Wembanyama (55 games)
• Isaiah Stewart (55 games)
• Evan Mobley (55 games)
• Cade Cunningham (61 games)
• Kawhi Leonard (54 games)
• Alex Sarr (49 games)
• Bilal Coulibaly (47 games)

Not to be redundant, but seriously. If Wembanyama and Mobley are universal Defensive Player of the Year candidates, they should be on an All-Defensive Team. With that being said, even if Stewart isn’t seen as a likely DPOY award winner, he should at least be in consideration for a spot on an All-Defensive Team.

Cunningham defense is no longer overlooked, and he’s been terrific when asked to guard his yard. As per usual, Leonard is a defensive disruptor at the point-of-attack, even clawing away 2.0 steals per game (third in the NBA). Washington Wizards big man Alex Sarr, who’s averaging 2.0 blocks per game (second in the NBA), continues to excel as a mobile switch defender. Bilal Coulibaly also plays for the oft-overlooked Wizards, which may hamper his case. Nonetheless, he’s been among the league’s top defenders since being drafted in 2023.