Victor Wembanyama named unanimous pick for NBA All-Defensive First Team
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama was the only unanimous selection for the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team announced on Friday.
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year led a star-studded lineup that includes Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren.
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson, Minnesota Timberwolves veteran Rudy Gobert and Boston Celtics guard Derrick White complete the primary quintet.
Holmgren and Thompson finished just behind the towering Frenchman in the overall voting for the league’s top defensive honour.
Dominant shot-blocking and perimeter pressure
The San Antonio phenomenon led the league in blocks for a third consecutive season with a remarkable 3.1 rejections per game.
His game-breaking defensive ability is currently on full display in the Western Conference finals against Oklahoma City.
The versatile big man has heavily restricted the impact of two-time reigning Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the postseason series.
Meanwhile, Holmgren anchored a Thunder unit that finished with the top-rated overall team defence in the NBA.
Thompson proved equally formidable on the outside, averaging a league-leading two steals per game for the Pistons.
Gobert earned his eighth first-team selection after once again guiding Minnesota into the league’s top ten defensive rankings.
Veterans and rising stars claim second-team honours
Elsewhere, New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby headlined the All-Defensive Second Team alongside Thunder guard Cason Wallace.
Miami Heat stalwart Bam Adebayo, Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels and Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes rounded out the reserve squad.
Anunoby has served as the defensive linchpin for a Knicks team currently seeking a tenth consecutive victory in their playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Wallace emerged as one of the most disruptive perimeter defenders in the sport, leading the league in steals and deflections.
The league will conclude its end-of-season awards by revealing the All-NBA selections on Sunday and the Coach of the Year on Tuesday.