Victor Wembanyama led the charge for the 2025-26 NBA All-Defensive Teams with a commanding performance that saw him receive all 100 first-place votes. The San Antonio Spurs rookie joined forces with Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons on the First Team. Holmgren followed with 93 first-team votes, while Thompson rounded out the trio with a strong defensive showing that helped the Pistons climb the East standings.
Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston’s Derrick White completed the First Team. Gobert, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, anchored the paint with his rim protection, while White’s relentless pressure on ball handlers solidified his reputation as one of the league’s top perimeter defenders.
On the Second Team, Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors, Cason Wallace of the Thunder, and OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks all earned recognition. Barnes, who led the league in steals per game at 2.3, continued to evolve into a two-way force. Wallace’s development into a lockdown guard was evident in his 85.3 defensive rating, the best among rookie guards.
Bam Adebayo, the Miami Heat’s versatile big man, and Atlanta’s Dyson Daniels rounded out the Second Team. Adebayo’s 1.8 steals per game and elite screen-setting ability made him a nightmare matchup for opposing guards. Daniels, who averaged 1.9 steals and 0.7 blocks per game, proved he could guard multiple positions night in and night out.
Stephon Castle, Amen Thompson, Draymond Green, and Toumani Camara received the next highest votes but fell just short of the Second Team. Castle and Thompson were only two points behind Daniels, showing promise for future recognition. Green, a perennial All-Defensive Team member, remained a top-10 defender despite the Golden State Warriors’ 2025 playoff exit.
The rankings reflect the evolving defensive landscape of the NBA, with young stars like Wembanyama and Holmgren setting the tone. The Thunder’s defensive duo of Holmgren and Wallace shows promise for a deep playoff run, while the Spurs’ future looks bright with Wembanyama leading the way.
Next up, the NBA will announce the 2025-26 Defensive Player of the Year award on June 15.
San Antonio fell 127-114 to Oklahoma City in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals Tuesday as Victor Wembanyama shot his worst postseason mark at 27 percent from the field.
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