NBA Unveils 2024-25 All-Defensive First Team — Draymond Green And Lu Dort Headline Star-Studded List
The NBA has officially revealed the 2024–25 All-Defensive Teams, and the First Team is headlined by two familiar names in Draymond Green and Lu Dort, both recognized for their relentless commitment to defensive excellence.
This year's selections reflect a blend of battle-tested veterans and breakout stars, as the league continues to value defensive versatility, intensity, and consistency.
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The 2024-25 NBA All-Defensive First Team
- Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)
- Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Lu Dort (Oklahoma City Thunder)
- Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks)
- Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets)
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green made his ninth All-Defensive Team, a significant feat considering he was left off last year's list. Green averaged 9.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.
More importantly, he served as the defensive heart of a resurgent Warriors squad that turned things around after acquiring Jimmy Butler midseason. Green's communication, IQ, and ability to anchor defensive possessions were pivotal in stabilizing Golden State after a shaky start.
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Lu Dort finally earned his long-overdue first All-Defensive selection. Known across the league as one of the fiercest perimeter stoppers, Dort averaged 10.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals while leading the NBA's top-rated defense.
The Thunder finished with the league's best record and suffocated opponents all season long, with Dort often drawing the assignment of guarding the opposing team's best scorer. His toughness and lateral quickness played a major role in OKC's rise to contender status.
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels had a breakout campaign, winning the Most Improved Player award and leading the league in steals at 3.0 per game. In his first All-Defensive Team selection, Daniels averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and brought a disruptive presence every night.
Whether jumping passing lanes or applying full-court pressure, his energy was infectious and helped reshape Atlanta's defensive identity.
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Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers rightfully earned his spot after anchoring one of the league's stingiest interior defenses. Mobley averaged 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.6 blocks.
While his scoring made strides, it was his rim protection, defensive rotations, and versatility in guarding bigs and wings alike that elevated his profile. This marks Mobley's second career All-Defensive selection, solidifying his place among the NBA's elite defenders.
Rounding out the First Team is Houston Rockets sophomore Amen Thompson, who showcased his rare blend of size, athleticism, and instinct. Averaging 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game,
Thompson guarded multiple positions and routinely impacted games with his anticipation and closeouts. His development into a defensive star is a major reason Houston climbed into the postseason picture.
Second Team Showcases Depth And Rising Defensive Stars
The 2024–25 All-Defensive Second Team also featured notable talents who were instrumental in anchoring their teams defensively, with a mix of new faces and established forces.
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The 2024-25 Kia NBA All-Defensive Second Team:
- Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves)
- Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)
- Toumani Camara (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder)
- Ivica Zubac (Los Angeles Clippers)
Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara made a splash in his rookie year, earning his first All-Defensive honor. Camara averaged 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Despite playing for a rebuilding team, his energy, lateral quickness, and defensive instincts stood out across the league.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert added an eighth All-Defensive selection to his résumé, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest rim protectors of his generation. Gobert averaged 12.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks, continuing to anchor Minnesota's interior defense with consistency and strength.
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Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies also earned his third career All-Defensive nod. The former DPOY posted 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks. Even in a year where Memphis battled injuries and inconsistency, Jackson remained a disruptive force in the paint and on switches.
Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder joined teammate Lu Dort with his first career All-Defensive honor. Williams, often tasked with guarding elite wings and ball-handlers, delivered 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. His size, activity, and anticipation added another layer of versatility to the Thunder's defensive dominance.
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac earned his first career All-Defensive selection after anchoring the Clippers through an injury-riddled season. He averaged 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, showcasing improved footwork and pick-and-roll coverage while consistently patrolling the paint.
Defense Remains The Foundation Of Greatness
In an era where offensive firepower often dominates the spotlight, the 2024–25 All-Defensive Teams shine a light on the grit, discipline, and intensity required to thrive on the other end.
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From the battle-tested Draymond Green to new-age stoppers like Amen Thompson and Jalen Williams, this year's selections underscore the league's growing appreciation for two-way impact.
These defenders aren't just specialists, they're tone-setters, communicators, and elite problem solvers who influence the outcome of games with each possession. Their inclusion is not only a testament to their individual excellence but also a reflection of how modern NBA success is still deeply rooted in defensive identity.
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