Kofi Inkoom
The NBA has officially revealed its All-Defensive teams for the 2023/24 season, selected by 99 media members. Votes were cast with players earning two points for each First Team vote and one point for each Second Team vote. Here are the players who made the cut:
First Team:
– Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves) – 198 points
– Victor Wembanyama (Spurs) – 184 points
– Bam Adebayo (Heat) – 168 points
– Herbert Jones (Pelicans) – 159 points
– Anthony Davis (Lakers) – 151 points
Second Team:
– Alex Caruso (Bulls) – 130 points
– Jalen Suggs (Magic) – 99 points
– Derrick White (Celtics) – 98 points
– Jaden McDaniels (Timberwolves) – 66 points
– Jrue Holiday (Celtics) – 36 points
Rudy Gobert, this season’s Defensive Player of the Year, was the only player unanimously voted onto the First Team, securing all 99 First Team votes. Victor Wembanyama also had an impressive showing, appearing on 98 ballots, with 86 First Team votes. Notably, Wembanyama is the first rookie ever to be named to an All-Defensive First Team.
For the first time, the All-Defensive voting was conducted without regard to specific positions. This allowed for the inclusion of four big men—Gobert, Wembanyama, Adebayo, and Davis—on the First Team. Herbert Jones, a forward, was the only non-center on the First Team. In contrast, the Second Team was composed entirely of guards and forwards.
