The NBA season is finally in full swing and many teams are already showing great signs on the defensive side of the floor. Other teams are suffering defensively and their win-loss record shows it. With that, comes one of the best determining factors of team defense. That would be a defensive rating. For those who do not know, the defensive rating is a metric that is used to calculate how many points a team allows every 100 possesions. So, who are the top 10 in this category so far this season and can these teams continue this level of play on the defensive end? Without further adieu, let’s take a look at the top 10 teams in defensive rating.
Top 10 NBA Teams in Defensive Rating So Far
10. Oklahoma City Thunder (103)
The Thunder are in a rebuilding year and for good reason. They traded their two best players this past summer in Russell Westbrook and Paul George. Even though they possess Chris Paul, this team is not expected to do much this year. Paul’s timeline simply does not correlate with the Thunder’s long term plans. It would not be surprising to see the aging point guard dealt before the trade deadline. However, the nine-time All-Star is averaging a defensive rating of 104 so far to go along with 1.7 steals per game. He has formed a solid defensive duo with fan-favorite, Steven Adams, who currently possesses a defensive rating of 102.
Sadly, with the current struggles and struggles surely to arrive, do not expect the Thunder to keep up this defensive intensity. Especially if Chris Paul is traded. He may not be the Chris Paul of old, but he is still a savvy defender and his experience has surely assisted the younger players. Without a veteran leader at the perimeter, their defense is surely to suffer.
Longevity Prediction: Short term.
9. Milwaukee Bucks (102.9)
The loss of Khris Middleton for a couple of weeks is going to hurt the Bucks a bit. Even though it is just for a couple of weeks, Middleton brings many great intangibles to the table. He is not just a great scorer, his length also allows him to make many great defensive plays though it may not always show up in the box score. Without his skillset, Milwaukee’s defense is going to suffer a bit. However, Milwaukee fans should not fret too much.
The Bucks are considered a contender this season and for good reason. We know they are led by the reigning MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they also have a terrific supporting cast. Last season, Eric Bledsoe made one of the All-Defensive Teams and Robin Lopez and Brook Lopez provide decent rim protection. Despite being without their co-star in Middleton, the Bucks’ defense should be just fine throughout the season.
Longevity Prediction: Long term.
8. Boston Celtics (102.4)
Don’t let the fact that the Celtics slipped a bit in this category fool you. They currently possess the best record and with good reason. Kemba Walker has found his footing with the new squad and the team is clicking on all cylinders right now. While the loss of Gordon Hayward hurts, the team is extremely well-coached and in good hands with the head coach, Brad Stevens.
Many thought the loss of Al Horford would set the Celtics back defensively. However, bringing in players such as Enes Kanter and Tacko Fall has bolstered their rim protection. With the supporting cast surrounding Walker and the promising youth, do not be surprised if coach Stevens keeps this a solid defensive squad moving forward.
Longevity Prediction: Long term.
7. Philadelphia 76ers (102.4)
Any time you have Joel Embiid manning the paint, you are going to be in good shape defensively. He is tallying a career-low defensive rating of 98 so far to couple with 1.7 blocks per game. Despite being outplayed by Nikola Jokic in the fourth quarter the other night, Embiid has led the 76ers to a great start to the year and his defense has had a lot to do with the fantastic start. Not to mention, Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons have shown some great defensive improvements as well.
It would seem the intensity Jimmy Butler brought to the team last year has rubbed off in a good way. Simmons is currently averaging a career-high three steals per game and Harris is tallying a career-low defensive rating to start the season. Bringing in Al Horford has helped with rim protection as well. With this in mind, do not write the Sixers off defensively. Not only are they contenders this year, but they are also one of the sneakiest defensive teams in the league.
Longevity Prediction: Long term.
6. Toronto Raptors (102.1)
The Toronto Raptors are still a great defensive team despite losing Kawhi Leonard. Kyle Lowry is deceptive and crafty as a defender and Pascal Siakam is currently averaging a career-low defensive rating. Do not be fooled by this team. They are still dangerous and their stingy defense is translating over from last year.
Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol are still solid rim protectors. Not to mention, the championship experience this team gained last year has shown them what it takes to succeed in this league. Much of that success starts on the defensive side of the floor. Yes, they will eventually feel the effects of losing arguably the best player in the world sooner or later, but they are going to continue to be solid on the defensive end.
Longevity Prediction: Long term.
5. Orlando Magic (101.1)
The Magic have seemed to fall off a cliff from a year ago when they snuck into the postseason. Yet, somehow, they have the fifth-best team defensive rating right now. Nikola Vucevic is coming off his first All-Star season but seems to be one of the only positive points on defense for this team as he is averaging a defensive rating of 99 as of now. For some reason, things are not clicking as a whole yet for this team.
Things need to get turned around fast for the Magic if they are going to make the postseason again. Sadly, it is hard to believe in this team with the lack of talent surrounding Vucevic and Terrence Ross. The defense is there, but the offense is not so far this season. With that, we could see some big changes and maybe a roster shakeup. Until then, it will be interesting to see if the Magic can keep up their defensive intensity.
Longevity Prediction: Midterm.
4. Denver Nuggets (101)
A few years ago, one would have scoffed at the idea of the Nuggets being one of the best defensive teams in the league. My, how things have changed. Say what you will about Nikola Jokic and the way he looks, he is actually showing improvements defensively. He is currently averaging a career-low defensive rating of 97.
The Nuggets also have a few lockdown defenders as well. Gary Harris has been clamping star players all year and Torrey Craig even has a game-winning block already this season. Not to mention, Paul Millsap is the perfect veteran leader for this team. As long as the Nuggets can stay healthy, they should be a solid defensive unit.
Longevity Prediction: Long term.
3. Miami Heat (100.6)
The Heat may have landed Jimmy Butler, but the real story has been about the rookies such as Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro. The Heat has been one of the surprise stories to start the season and their defense is a big reason for their success. We know what Butler can do, but the supporting cast has also stepped up its game.
Tyler Herro is averaging almost a steal per game and Kendrick Nunn is tallying 1.6 steals per game. Not to mention, Bam Adebayo is having a solid year with career bests in steals, blocks, and defensive rating. At this rate, the Heat will most likely return to the postseason this year.
Longevity Prediction: Long term.
2. Utah Jazz (98.7)
We knew the Jazz were going to be one of the defensive teams coming into the year. Possessing the reigning two-time Defensive Player of the Year in Rudy Gobert will always help matters. Donovan Mitchell‘s weak point has been his defense and bringing in Mike Conley helped shore up the Utah back-court, despite Conley’s rocky start to the season.
Joe Ingles is the type of player every team could use with his versatility. As a result, he has made some great defensive plays for the Jazz this year already. Utah is a dark horse in the Western Conference and for good reason. Their defense will be a key part of their success and how far they can make it this season.
Longevity Prediction: Long term.
1. Los Angeles Lakers (98.1)
The Lakers have surprised some people and also lived up to expectations to start the season. It depends on who you are really. There is a great case to be made about not believing in them and vice versa. Regardless, they have handled business on the defensive side of the ball so far. However, much of this will be dependant on the health of Anthony Davis.
Davis’ track record hardly boasts one of health. He has only played 70 or more games twice in his eight-year career. Not to mention, LeBron James is not getting younger despite his great start to the season. As a result, much of the defensive weight will be placed upon the shoulders of Dwight Howard (who is having a resurgent season to be fair), Danny Green, and JaVale McGee. With these three making up the supporting cast, their defense should not suffer too much in the event of a key injury. Still, one has good reason to be cautious to not buy into these Lakers too early, at least on the defensive side of the ball.
Longevity Prediction: Midterm.