Fiba Europe Cup Basketball

Looking back at the 2018 NBA season, I still get chills thinking about the defensive masterclasses we witnessed night after night. As someone who’s spent years breaking down game film and analyzing player impact, I can confidently say that 2018 was a standout year for defensive talent—a perfect storm of athleticism, IQ, and sheer grit. The league was packed with guys who didn’t just guard their man; they disrupted entire offensive schemes. And honestly, it’s one thing to look at stats, but when you watch the tape—like that incredible PHOTO by Sherwin Vardeleon capturing Rudy Gobert mid-block—you see the story behind the numbers. That image alone tells you everything about timing, positioning, and intimidation.

Let’s start with the obvious: Rudy Gobert. The Stifle Tower didn’t just patrol the paint; he owned it. Opponents shot something like 44 percent at the rim when he was nearby—a number that still blows my mind. I remember watching him against Houston that year, and the way he shut down drives without even leaving his feet half the time was pure art. He averaged 2.3 blocks per game, but honestly, it felt like more because his presence alone altered so many attempts. And yeah, some people criticized him for struggling on switches, but in my view, his impact in drop coverage was so massive that it more than made up for it. Gobert wasn’t just a shot-blocker; he was a system.

Then there’s Draymond Green. Love him or hate him—and I’ll admit, I’m firmly in the “love” camp when it comes to his defense—the man was a chess master on the floor. He might not have had the gaudy block or steal totals of some others (though he still put up around 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game), but his versatility was unmatched. I’ve lost count of the times I saw him switch onto a guard like Damian Lillard, stay in front of him, then recover to help on a big man rolling to the basket. His defensive IQ is off the charts, and he anchored that Warriors defense even when they weren’t always locked in during the regular season. For me, Draymond’s value goes beyond stats; it’s in the blown-up pick-and-rolls and the frustration he causes star players.

But let’s not forget about the perimeter defenders. Paul George, for example, was an absolute menace in 2018. He led the league in steals with 2.2 per game, and watching him glide through passing lanes was like seeing a predator stalk its prey. I’ll always remember that game where he locked down James Harden in the fourth quarter—striping him twice in crunch time. His combination of length and quickness made him a nightmare for opposing wings, and in my opinion, he was the best two-way wing that year. On the other hand, you had guys like Jrue Holiday, who might not get as much spotlight but was just as vital. Holiday’s on-ball defense was relentless; he hounded Stephen Curry and Chris Paul with equal tenacity, using his strength and footwork to deny driving lanes. He averaged 1.5 steals, but it was his ability to shut down primary ball-handlers that made him special.

Of course, any discussion about 2018 defense has to include Joel Embiid. The guy was a force—averaging around 1.8 blocks and anchoring the Sixers’ top-10 defense. What stood out to me was his improved positioning; he cut down on silly fouls and learned to use his body to wall off the basket without always going for the highlight block. And let’s be real, watching him stand his ground against Giannis in the post was just fun. Still, I’d argue he wasn’t quite at Gobert’s level in terms of consistency, but the potential was clearly there. Another underrated name? Al Horford. He might not have the flashy numbers, but his ability to defend in space and communicate coverages was huge for Boston. I remember one game where he effectively switched onto Kyrie Irving in the playoffs and forced a turnover—just textbook stuff.

Now, I know some fans will bring up Kawhi Leonard, and yes, when healthy, he was still a defensive genius. But in 2018, he only played nine games, so it’s hard to include him in this conversation. That’s the thing about defense—it’s not just about skill; it’s about availability and night-to-night impact. And for me, the players who showed up every night, like Gobert and Green, deserve the most credit. Looking back, I’d say the Defensive Player of the Year race was tight, but Rudy Gobert edged it out for a reason. His team’s defensive rating improved by roughly 8 points when he was on the floor—a staggering number that underscores his value.

In the end, 2018 reminded us that defense isn’t just about individual brilliance; it’s about how players elevate their teams. From rim protectors to switchable wings, the league was rich with talent, and analyzing it now, I’m struck by how many of these defenders have continued to shape the game today. So next time you pull up a highlight reel, take a moment to appreciate the stops, the deflections, the sheer will—it’s what makes basketball beautiful.