BR's 99 best defenders in NBA history: How many played for OKC Thunder?
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BR's 99 best defenders in NBA history: How many played for OKC Thunder?
Apr 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), guard Alex Caruso (9) and forward Chet Holmgren (7) celebrate after a play against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second quarter during game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Clemente Almanza, OKC Thunder Wire·Thunder Wire
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3 min read
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It doesn't generate the same buzz or is viewed as flashy as the opposite side, but defense is half the battle in basketball. If you can shut down your opponent on their end of the floor, then you're halfway there to sustainable success.
In the NBA's history, it's filled with plenty of top defenders. Whether it's at the perimeter or at the rim. Some are sharp at the point of attack. While others serve as a safety blanket by excelling in the help. Both sides of the court are complementary to each other. Can't be too one-sided.
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As the calendar is about to flip to August, Bleacher Reportrankedthe 99 best defenders in NBA history. TheOklahoma City Thunderhad five representatives. Let's take a look at what their NBA writing staff had to say about each:
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 29: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after a play during the second half against the New York Knicks at Paycom Center on March 29, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
What B/R said:"Even with his 7'1", 208-pound frame that looks like it could be folded by most NBA wings, Chet Holmgren has been one of the league's best rim protectors from the moment he entered it...
"And in his last two campaigns with theOklahoma City Thunder, he's ranked in the 97th and 99th percentile, respectively, in defensive rating (the team's points allowed per 100 possessions when a given player is on the floor)."
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 09: Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 09, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
What B/R said:"Caruso is one of the game's best examples of the 'refs can't call everything' mentality. From the moment he enters the game to the last time he leaves it, his hands are all over the opponent. He pushes, grabs, pulls, bodies and otherwise pushes the envelope as far as he can.
"And the approach absolutely works for him. Officials, as it turns out, can't call everything. And Caruso's overly physical defense rattles opponents and has been a crucial element of two different championship teams."
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- FEBRUARY 23: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 23, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
What B/R said:"Paul George rose to superstar status for much of his career, thanks in large part to his offense. But his versatility on the defensive end made him unique among the other volume-scoring wings of his era.
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"George is 6'8", but at his peak, he moved like a guard. That combination of size and lateral explosiveness helped him cover tons of ground on the defensive end."
Jan 12, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Thunder defeated the Timberwolves 101-96. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
What B/R said:"In the early part of Serge Ibaka's NBA career, he was one of the most prolific shot-blockers we've ever seen. In his first six seasons, he averaged 2.6 blocks per game, but that doesn't really tell the whole story.
"In 2011-12, he averaged 3.7...in just 27.2 minutes. There are only five players in league history who had seasons with more blocks per 75 possessions than the 5.2 Ibaka averaged that year."
Jan 11, 2020; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Chris Paul (3) waves to the Los Angeles Lakers bench before the start of their game at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
What B/R said:"He used foot speed to stay in front of bigger players and strength to stand up smaller ones. And when an opponent was remotely careless with the ball, CP3 was often able to take advantage.
"He averaged 2.0 steals for his career and led the league in that category in six of his first nine seasons."
