As in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, Rudy Gobert (Jazz) was selected to appear in the “All-Defensive First team”. Like Ben Simmons (Sixers), his runner-up in the ballot for the title of Defender of the Year 2021, the Frenchman was even acclaimed by the voters, who all gave him their vote to appear in the best five defensive players of the season.
And to accompany the evidence Rudy Gobert and Ben Simmons, it is Jrue Holiday (Bucks), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) and Draymond Green (Warriors) who have been chosen, which is not so much of a surprise either.
Because while the former winners of the “Defensive Player of the Year” trophy, Draymond Green and Giannis Antetokounmpo, respectively finished 3rd and 5th in the vote for the DPOY this year, Jrue Holiday has never been so highlighted. before for his defensive qualities than since his arrival in Milwaukee.
Mikal Bridges, the great forgotten?
On the other hand, in the “All-Defensive Second team”, a surprise is to be noted: the absence of Mikal Bridges, key element of the defense of the Suns.
Instead, the voters preferred to reward Jimmy Butler (Heat), Matisse Thybulle (Sixers) and Kawhi Leonard (Clippers) on the outside, while the pair Bam Adebayo (Heat) – Joel Embiid (Sixers) compose the racquet of this second best five defensive end.
Clearly, three Sixers players, two Bucks players and two Heat players have been selected in the 2021 All-Defensive Teams.
Leaving behind some candidates like Mikal Bridges, therefore, but also Mike Conley (Jazz), Chris Paul (Suns), Marcus Smart (Celtics), Luguentz Dort (Thunder), Paul George (Clippers), Royce O’Neale (Jazz ), Nerlens Noel (Knicks), Clint Capela (Hawks) or Myles Turner (Pacers).
