Top 10 Defenders of 2000-2009

[Andrew]

Latest Top Ten @ Yahoo! NBA

1. Kevin Garnett
2. Shane Battier
3. Ben Wallace
4. Tim Duncan
5. Dikembe Mutombo
6. Ron Artest
7. Bruce Bowen
8. Jason Kidd
9. Eric Snow
10. Kirk Hinrich

[Martti.]

I agree with the list, although Wallace would be my number 1. Also pleased to see Hinrich on the list.

[jettdaking!]

no Larry Hughes?

[Andrew]

For his quick hands and ability to rack up steals, I wouldn't call him one of the best defenders of the decade.

[TheOriginalCandyMan]

Eric Snow is a very good defender, but I dont think hes a "top 10" defender

Where's Dwayne Wade? He's a game changer on the defensive side

[Its_asdf]

Although he missed a lot of games and I think he's the biggest douchebag ever, I'd still rank Alonzo Mourning ahead of a lot of the people on that list.

[Andrew]

I'm in two minds about Zo in regards to that list. On one hand I feel that he's a lock and if we were talking about the 90s or the last two decades combined he'd definitely be on there. With all the time he ended up missing during this decade I'm not sure, but I wouldn't argue too strongly against his inclusion.

[hova-]

Interesting to see no Kobe in there. He made the All Defensive First Team five times in this decade. Still I always thought he is a bit overrated. People say he only defend when it counts and often tries to save his energy for the offensive end. How can he be a good defender then? For me a good defender has to show full energy and passion on defense with the will to shut down his opponent on every possession.

Im missing Gary Payton who has always been known for being a tough defender with quick hands. He made the All Defensive First team three years in a row from 1999-00 (which doesnt mean anything as you see with Kobe, but it gives you a better reputation) and I think he should have made this list.

[Andrew]

I think The Glove's in a similar situation to Zo here. I wouldn't object to him being in the 2000-2009 list but I tend to think of him as belonging on the 90s version of the list instead.

[cavs4872]

2. Shane Battier

[C-77]

this top 10 was fair although I'm shocked Kobe isn't there but like hova- said he's a bit overrated

[Alejandrov011]

Kirk Hinrich??

Raja Bell is a top 10. Tell me someone another one who shoved Kobe Bryant?

[NovU]

How about Shaq? I thought his presence on defensive end was always one of bigger factors in the game. It may not show up on the stat sheet, but his presence sure did change flows of the games.

[hova-]

Shaq is not capable of defending the pick and roll very well which is just as import as standard helpside D. He also was better back in his rookie/sophomore days .. simply because he was more agile. Still not the worst shot blocker for sure.

[TheOriginalCandyMan]

Shaq is not capable of defending the pick and roll very well which is just as import as standard helpside D. He also was better back in his rookie/sophomore days .. simply because he was more agile. Still not the worst shot blocker for sure.

Actually, he's a lazy defender currently
But thats because hes bored and wants to run to the other side
Maybe with the Cavs he will actually try

[J@3]

I don't think he's lazy I just think he lacks lateral movement these days. I saw him in that Shaq vs. thing, he had trouble moving from side to side. Even standing up off the sand looked like an effort.

[Its_asdf]

Shane Battier is also too high in my opinion. Yeah he's always been a solid role player that plays great team defense, but it seems like everyone's been on his jock these past 2 seasons.

[Alpha_]

i think Dwayne should be on the list... & Dwight

[NovU]

Actually, I was talking about as a whole 2000-2009 years for Shaq, not just current as this thread's title says. Who doesn't know he's not good at D now unlike before, but back in early part of this decade, I do believe he was also a dominant figure in D. I remember nobody wanting drive to the paint, and nobody wanting to go direct 1 on 1 even Timmy or any others. As he got older and fatter, he seemed to be losing it, but he still was a good inside presence I assume.

[Alejandrov011]

RAJA BELL! RAJA BELL!

[Its_asdf]

Just because he can act a bit and throw elbows at people does not make him a good defender. I'll admit that he was a pretty pesky player for opposing offensive wings, but the guy has not been as effective these last few seasons.

[Dee.]

I Think Someone Like Marcus Camby Could be here.
Dikembe a Little Higher i think.

[Riot]

It's good to see KG #1. I'm glad he is finally getting the respect he earned for years. I'm not digging the Shane Battier pick though.