Steve Kerr Names 3 Best NBA Defenders Of All Time
Steve Kerr Names 3 Best NBA Defenders Of All Time
Steve Kerr has identified what he considers the three greatest defenders in basketball history: Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Draymond Green. This assessment carries significant weight given Kerr’s unique perspective as both a championship-winning player and coach.
Kerr’s basketball journey has given him an exceptional vantage point to evaluate defensive talent. With five NBA championships as a player and four more as the Warriors’ head coach, few individuals have witnessed elite defensive play from such proximity.
When discussing Draymond Green’s defensive capabilities, Kerr didn’t hesitate to place him alongside legendary Bulls defenders. He specifically highlighted Green’s versatility, noting that his physical strength allows him to guard low-post players more effectively than Pippen could during his era.
The Golden State Warriors coach emphasized that all three defenders share critical attributes: exceptional length, physicality, speed, and versatility. However, Kerr pointed to basketball intelligence as the defining characteristic that truly separates these three defenders from their peers.
Scottie Pippen’s defensive contributions were fundamental to the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 1990s. Despite never winning Defensive Player of the Year, Pippen’s defensive capabilities complemented Michael Jordan perfectly, enabling the Bulls to complete two different three-peats.
Dennis Rodman brought unparalleled rebounding prowess and defensive intensity to the Bulls teams Kerr played on. Though his offensive game had limitations, Rodman’s defensive specialization made him an invaluable component of championship rosters.
Draymond Green represents the modern defensive archetype in Kerr’s view. His ability to guard all five positions at an elite level has anchored the Warriors’ defense throughout their championship runs. Kerr has been particularly impressed by Green’s pick-and-roll defense and help-side rotations.
“He’s the best defender I’ve ever seen,” Kerr has said of Green, highlighting his fake blitz techniques, recovery speed, and anticipation. The Warriors coach also praised Green’s basketball IQ, noting how effectively he provides help-side defense when needed.
Green’s career averages of 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks only tell part of the story. His defensive impact extends far beyond traditional statistics, encompassing his communication, positioning, and ability to coordinate the entire Warriors defensive scheme.
What makes Kerr’s assessment particularly noteworthy is the caliber of defenders he’s omitting from his top three. Having played alongside defensive standouts like Michael Jordan and Tim Duncan, Kerr’s selection of Pippen, Rodman, and Green speaks volumes about their extraordinary defensive impacts.
When comparing these three defenders, Kerr acknowledges the different eras they played in. He specifically noted how Pippen faced different challenges defending against dominant centers like Shaquille O’Neal, Patrick Ewing, and Hakeem Olajuwon in an era when post play dominated.
The Warriors coach sees clear parallels between Rodman and Green, particularly in their ability to defend multiple positions effectively. Their defensive versatility allowed their respective teams to employ flexible defensive schemes that could adapt to various offensive threats.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
