To some, Kawhi Leonard robbed Draymond Green of the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award. And while Leonard received more votes for the league's All-Defensive First Team announced Wednesday, naturally they are both on it.
Leonard led the way with 242 votes, ahead of Green's 229.
Few will argue a tight frontcourt of Leonard and Green, the rim protection of center DeAndre Jordan, the perimeter defense of Tony Allen and ball-pilfering ability of Chris Paul.
| Position | All-Defensive First Team | Team |
|---|---|---|
| PG | Chris Paul | Los Angeles Clippers |
| SG | Tony Allen | Memphis Grizzlies |
| SF | Kawhi Leonard | San Antonio Spurs |
| PF | Draymond Green | Golden State Warriors |
| C | DeAndre Jordan | Los Angeles Clippers |
Leonard led the NBA in individual defensive rating. Green's ability to play positionless basketball is on display now in the Western Conference Finals. While Paul was second in the NBA in steals, the 33-year-old veteran Allen led the way in steal percentage. Jordan topped the league in total rebounds, defensive rebound percentage and defensive win shares.
The All-Defensive Second Team is led by Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans, Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls, Andrew Bogut of the Warriors, John Wall of the Washington Wizards and 39-year-old Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs.
For Duncan, it's the 15th time he has been named to an All-Defensive Team in his 18-year career, which is the most in NBA history. For fellow second-teamer Bogut, it means a nice payday.
