On Friday, the NBA announced the 2025-26 NBA All-Defensive teams, with San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama being the only player unanimously named to the first team.
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson and Oklahoma City star Chet Holmgren, the runner-ups for Defensive Player of the Year, were also named to the first team.
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Boston Celtics guard Derrick White and Minnesota Timberwolves big Rudy Gobert were also rewarded with a spot on the first team for their defensive efforts this season.
This campaign in particular proved to be a defensively-oriented year, as the top two teams in the league were also the strongest defenses.
The second team is headlined by Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes, who received the most first-place votes of any player on the second team. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace earned his first all-defensive selection with second team honors.
Out of all the players that received votes, Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson and San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle were the closest to making the cut.
While an All-Defensive selection doesn’t have an impact on contract details, being named as one of the league’s top 10 defenders is a prestigious honor.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
