{"id":87192,"date":"2024-07-24T14:51:58","date_gmt":"2024-07-24T18:51:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=87192"},"modified":"2024-07-24T14:52:21","modified_gmt":"2024-07-24T18:52:21","slug":"the-best-defender-on-every-western-conference-nba-team","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/07\/24\/the-best-defender-on-every-western-conference-nba-team\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Defender On Every Western Conference NBA Team"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the famous saying goes defense wins championships. However, defense is largely under-discussed and not fully appreciated in NBA discourse. With that in mind let’s shine some light on some of the NBA’s best defenders. This article will focus on the best defender on every Western Conference team. The same list for the Eastern Conference can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Best Defender On Every Western Conference NBA Team<\/h2>\n

Dallas Mavericks: Dereck Lively\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As a rookie Dereck Lively<\/a> was an instrumental part in the Mavericks title run. Lively was especially important as a defensive anchor and rim protector he averaged 1.4 blocks on the season. Impressively Lively’s play only improved in the playoffs his defensive field goal percentage dropped from 48.2<\/a> percent to 42.3<\/a>. At 20 years old Lively has a bright future and projects to be a high-impact defender for years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

Denver Nuggets: Aaron Gordon\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Since being traded to the Nuggets Aaron Gordon<\/a> has been an underrated linchpin. Gordon\u2019s defense has been central to his value for the Nuggets. He often guards the opposing team\u2019s best wing but is also capable of guarding centers and even guards if needed. This ability was incredibly valuable during the Nuggets 2023 NBA Championship run. Impressively Gordon ranks in the 94th percentile for defensive plus\/minus<\/a> and posted 2.6 defensive win shares<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sure his public image has faded over the past few seasons but there\u2019s no denying that Draymond Green<\/a> is still an elite defender. Green revolutionized modern defensive schemes with his unmatched versatility. This past season Green held opponents<\/a> to 43 percent from the field and ranked in the 98th percentile for defensive plus\/minus<\/a>. For his career, Green is an eight-time All-Defensive player and the 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year. When it’s all said and done Green<\/a> will rightfully be remembered as one the best defenders in NBA history.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n