Phoenix Suns Players Ranked on Defense: Top Tier
#1 Mikal Bridges
Last year, Mikal Bridges finished as the odd man out when everyone voted for the NBA’s All-Defensive team. But with another season now under his belt and as someone coming into his prime from an athletic standpoint, he likely attains that honor this coming year.
No Mikal Bridges on All Defense. He got the most votes of anyone that didn’t make it. Kawhi Leonard had 4 more points than him.
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) June 14, 2021
With speed, an extensive wingspan, and a high game IQ, Bridges carries all the necessary tools to defend at an elite level. He might not reach it this coming season, but a Defensive Player of the Year Award certainly lies within his grasp. At the very least though, he still headlines this Phoenix team as its best defender.
#2 Chris Paul
As a seasoned veteran, Chris Paul resembles a savvy player eager to make things tough on all who oppose him. Last year, he finished with most defensive win shares for the Suns and averaged 1.4 steals per game—the 16th most across the entire league.
But aside from the stats, Paul’s presence as a defender cannot go overstated. He essentially captains things for the Suns, knowing exactly where he and his teammates need to be at all times. Take him away, and the entire ship just might go down.
#3 Jae Crowder
Although undersized, Jae Crowder‘s muscle and athleticism still make him a mean defender at the power forward spot. With experience guarding LeBron James and Kevin Durant, he knows all the tricks which the game’s best scorers carry into battle.
Last year, Crowder finished right behind Paul with the team’s second most defensive win shares. No Suns player forced their opponents into a lower field goal percentage than him, and he also put up the team’s highest overall defensive rating among starters. At 31 years old, expect him to stay lethal during the 2021-22 season.