2023-24 NBA All-Defensive Teams Announced
French Connection, Four Centers Headline First Team
Rudy Gobert, Jaren Jackson Jr., Brook Lopez, and Victor Wembanyama are all first-team selections
The NBA has announced its All-Defensive teams for the 2023-24 season, and it's a list that is dominated by big men. Four of the five first-team selections are centers, led by Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert. Gobert, who won the Defensive Player of the Year award three times with the Utah Jazz, is joined on the first team by Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez, and San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama.
Wembanyama, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is the first rookie to be named to the All-Defensive First Team since Hakeem Olajuwon in 1985. The 7-foot-3 center has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young players in the league, and his selection to the All-Defensive First Team is a testament to his defensive prowess.
The All-Defensive Second Team is also headlined by a center, with Cleveland Cavaliers star Jarrett Allen leading the way. Allen is joined on the second team by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram, and Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.
The All-Defensive teams are selected by a panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters. Voters are asked to select the best defensive players in the league, regardless of position. The voting is based on the regular season only, and players must play at least 50 games to be eligible for selection.
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