Giannis, AD highlight NBA All-Defensive teams
In a league that's been trending smaller, some big men highlight the NBA's All-Defensive teams that were announced on Tuesday.
Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis, and Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert anchor the first team. Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics stopper Marcus Smart round out the backcourt.
| First team | Player |
|---|---|
| F | Giannis Antetokounmpo |
| F | Anthony Davis |
| C | Rudy Gobert |
| G | Marcus Smart |
| G | Ben Simmons |
Antetokounmpo led the way with 97 first-team votes. The Bucks' regular-season success was also reflected on the second team, with center Brook Lopez and guard Eric Bledsoe honored.
The Bucks led the league in defensive rating from the beginning of the season until the March 11 suspension of play. Like other awards this campaign, play during seeding games in Florida wasn't considered.
Los Angeles Clippers teammates Kawhi Leonard and Patrick Beverley join Lopez and Bledsoe on the second team, along with Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat.
Leonard also received 33 first-team votes.
| Second Team | Player |
|---|---|
| F | Kawhi Leonard |
| F | Bam Adebayo |
| C | Brook Lopez |
| G | Patrick Beverley |
| G | Eric Bledsoe |