With today's game evolving into a league where any team can score 120 in any given night, teams are looking for players who are constantly on the defensive prowl. These lock down defenders are on the rise and continue to get better.
Arron Afflalo - Orlando Magic
Arron Afflalo came into the NBA as a very pesky on and off ball defender, although his offensive game is getting better by each season (3 point % increased dramatically since rookie year) he is known for his hard nose style of play. He can match up with most shooting guards in the NBA with his 6'5" frame and he is not the one to gamble on steals. He will make your best offensive players day a nightmare. Afflalo makes it extremely difficult to score on him without reaching in. He is one smart defender.
Avery Bradley - Boston Celtics
Avery Bradley was highly scouted out of high school and in his one season at Texas he put locks on players. He loves playing pesky under your nose type defense and is fearless. Sure enough the Celtics who pride themselves on defense, selected Bradley with the 19th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. Bradley might be undersized to play shooting guard for the C's but his intensity and heart make him one of the toughest guys to get around in the Eastern Conference. Although he is bothered with a shoulder injury that might keep him out for a small period of time, Bradley is still considered a key piece to Boston's success. When paired with Rajon Rondo, They are one of the most dynamic defensive backcourts in the NBA. Iman Shumpert - New York Knicks
Iman Shumpert splashed on to the scene last season when he started at point guard for the Knicks Christmas Day. He has everything a team needs to be the number one defensive stopper, He has the size (6'5" with a 6'10" wingspan), speed, strength, and that defensive grit that alot of old school basketball fans love to see. His athleticism is one key facet to his game, because when gets a steal or a block hes looking to turn that into instant buckets, whether he breaks away for a dunk or setting his teammates up for the fast break. Shumpert is also sidelined due to a knee injury, but the way he played in big games last season, he can be special. He plays great on and off the ball which can get the offense frustrated and soon enough he will be a candidate for defensive player of the year which has not been won by a small forward/guard since Ron Artest back in 2004.
Kawhi Leonard - San Antonio Spurs
With a draft day trade that sent George Hill to Indiana, the San Antonio Spurs got back one of the most athletic and unique players in the NBA. Kawhi Leonard is 6'7" with an unbelievable 7 foot 3 inch wingspan that amazes coaches, players, and fans. He can change a game by sticking the best player on the floor and consistently battling him, he is one of the best on ball defenders averaging right around 2 steals a game and he does all the little things on defense that don't show up on the stat sheet. Leonard is one of the most underrated player to come out of the 2011 draft class but that doesn't bother him, he will continue to get better and playing under coach Poppovich is always a good thing.
Watch out when these guys play against your favorite team and player not only will they get them frustrated, these defenders might end up making you pull out your own hair!
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