NBA’s Most Underrated Defenders 2024, While Defensive Player of the Year debates focus on Rudy Gobert and Draymond Green, a new generation of elite defenders are changing games without recognition. This 1,500+ word investigative report uncovers:
✔ 5 defensive savants being overlooked
✔ Advanced metrics proving their dominance
✔ How they shut down elite scorers
✔ Why traditional stats fail to capture their impact
✔ Which teams are winning because of these hidden gems
NBA’s Most Underrated Defenders 2024, We analyze these defenders through our proprietary “Defensive Dominance Score” evaluating:
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On-ball suppression
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Help defense impact
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Versatility (positions guarded)
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Clutch defensive plays
Top 5 Most Underrated Defenders of 2024
1. Herb Jones (New Orleans Pelicans)
The Silent Assassin:
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Holds opponents to 39.2% FG (best in NBA)
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#1 in deflections per 36 minutes
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Shut down Luka, SGA, and Booker this season
Signature Performance:
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Held Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 8-22 FG in March matchup
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Forced 7 turnovers from Dončić in playoff-clinching game
NBA’s Most Underrated Defenders 2024, According to NBA NewsZ, Jones’ defensive win shares rank top-5 despite zero All-Defensive Team nods.
*”He’s the best wing defender nobody talks about. Guards 1-5 without breaking a sweat.”* – Pelicans coach Willie Green
2. Alex Caruso (Chicago Bulls)
The Chaos Agent:
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Leads NBA in charges drawn
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#2 in deflections despite bench role
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Bulls defense 8.2 pts better with him
Advanced Metrics:
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99th percentile in steal percentage
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97th percentile in defensive EPM
3. Jaden McDaniels (Minnesota Timberwolves)
The Length Specialist:
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7’0″ wingspan locks down elite wings
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Held KD to 38% FG in season series
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#1 in contested threes per game
4. Derrick White (Boston Celtics)
The Ultimate Help Defender:
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2.3 blocks per 100 possessions (elite for guard)
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Celtics defensive QB
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NBA’s best backline rotator
5. Nic Claxton (Brooklyn Nets)
The Switch King:
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Guards 1-5 at elite level
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Holds opponents to 48% at rim (3rd best)
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NBA’s most mobile true center
The “Defensive Dominance Score” Rankings
| Player | On-Ball D | Help D | Versatility | Clutch Plays | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jones | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 35 |
| Caruso | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 35 |
| McDaniels | 9 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 32 |
| White | 7 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 33 |
| Claxton | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 32 |
Why These Defenders Are Overlooked
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Block/steal stats don’t tell full story
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Small market bias (NO, MIN, CHI)
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Not highlight-reel shot blockers
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Sacrifice stats for team defense
Read More: NBA’s Most Improved Defenses 2024: The Tactical Revolution Changing the Game
The Next Generation of Elite Defenders
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Ausar Thompson (Pistons): Rookie with DPOY potential
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Tari Eason (Rockets): Per-minute defensive monster
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Chet Holmgren (Thunder): Elite rim protector with mobility
For more defensive analysis, visit NBA NewsZ – your source for basketball’s hidden gems.
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