Last season I ranked the top 100 defensemen in the NBA. To my knowledge, it was the first time such a list had been attempted. And while I believe this is the best list out there, this season’s edition has made marked improvements.

This second attempt is still not perfect, but the goal of this project is to raise awareness of the great defenders in the league and the importance of that side of the ball. Last year’s list accomplished that task. This year’s list will hopefully be the same.

A little bit about the methodology as it has changed from last year. In the past, I tried to spread an even mix of guards, wings, and big men across the roster. I used a combination of eye test, audience wisdom, and advanced statistics to determine my rankings.

Most people said they would prefer a more subjective list of who I think are the best defensemen, based entirely on eye tests. I watch the NBA as much as anyone, and I have a good sense of who’s good and who’s bad. So that’s what I’m giving you this year. No advanced stats, no one else’s opinion – just my own list of the guys I think will have the biggest impact on the defense.

Part I of this story runs from #11 to #100. Part II, live now, covers the top 10.

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The best defensemen in the NBA: 11-100

Top 11-25 Defenders

Joel Embiid’s With a 7-5 wingspan, he is one of the best rim protectors in the league. Opponents shot 10.5 percent worse against him within six feet of the rim last season, according to Crafted NBA, which ranked in the 94th percentile among all players. Watch the matches and you will see players pulling the ball out because they are afraid to challenge him. The same can be said Jaren Jackson Jr., Brook Lopez, Walker Kessler and Jarrett Allen.

Chet Holmgren was the most controversial member of last year’s list. Many were upset that an unproven rookie could be considered a top 100 defenseman. It turns out his No. 63 ranking was way too low. Holmgren’s 2.3 blocks per game ranked tied for fourth in the league.

Isaiah Hartenstein And Evan Mobley are also good rim protectors, but their best skills are in other areas. Hartenstein rarely makes mistakes and understands exactly where he needs to be. He would have had a great shot at making All-Defensive team last season if he had played in enough games to qualify. Mobley flies across the field, teleports to the shooters and reappears at the edge.

Wing defense is not considered impactful, but OG Anunoby finds ways to change that narrative. He can guard anyone and he is one of the best ball hawks in the league. So too Kawhi Leonardwho improved his defensive intensity last year and still has those huge hands that can snatch the ball from anyone. Jaden McDaniels wins on the second, third and fourth attempts. It is said that his goal is to ruin his opponents’ days with his suffocating style.

Aaron Gordon deserves special praise as one of the most under-discussed defensemen on this list. He does all the dirty work for the Nuggets, guarding the best opponents regardless of their size, speed and skill. Ausar Thompson will one day surpass him doing similar things. His athleticism and instincts allow him to make plays that no one else can.

The hardest position to impress is guard. You have to be really special to be one of the best. Jalen Suggs And Dirk White easily fits that description. Suggs is a difficult-to-screen deflection machine who has rebuilt his career as a pest. White is the best shot-blocking guard since Dwyane Wade and moves his feet as well as anyone at the rim.

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Top 26-50 Defenders

Some of the players on this list are clear inclusions. Marcus Slim, Paul George, Jimmy Butler And Matisse Thybulle have made multiple All-Defensive teams. Dillon Brooks And Mikal Bridges made one. Lu DortThe nickname ‘Dorture Chamber’ is well deserved: it will bring the heat and make you feel uncomfortable. Jayson Tatum is the team’s best fullback on some nights. Some of these guys are no longer at their peak, but they’re all still great when they’re locked up.

Others you may not have heard of. Dyson Daniels has the best technique in the league, cutting off drives with excellent footwork. Toumani Camara has been called “a one-man defense” by Blazers teammate Scoot Henderson. That is a well-founded statement. Keon Ellis forced his way into the Kings’ rotation due to his suffocating perimeter defense. Mark Williams is a great jumper who can move his feet well at a height of 2 meters.

Then there are the older heads who keep finding ways to quit. Kyle Anderson proved during the playoffs that he is one of the best defenders on elite wings like Luka Doncic. Kevin Durant doesn’t get enough credit for its weak side edge protection.

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Top 51-75 Defenders

Four Celtics are part of the roster, giving them seven of the league’s top 75 defensemen. Jaylen Brown is a new addition to this list. Last season he improved enormously both on and off the ball. Al Horford remains a reliable big man, and Xavier Tilman has a large size and better foot speed.

Scottie Barnes rose 24 places in this year’s list. He did a good job on the top wings in the league and provided excellent weakside edge protection.

Lonzo ball is a new addition this year. When he was fully healthy a few seasons ago, he would have been a lot higher. He could guard his position, get a lot of deflections and know exactly where the ball would go. Ben Simmons has also seen his defensive impact diminish due to injuries. He dropped 30 places from last season, which is the biggest drop of anyone in the top 50.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is still a newcomer. His defense has been disappointing in recent seasons. He was much better last year, finishing tied for the league lead with 2.0 steals per game. He’s much better in that ballhawk role, picking off passes the other way for easy scores.

Vince Williams will take up the entire field and no one can pass him on the perimeter. He guarded everyone from Tyrese Haliburton to Kevin Durant last year.

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Top 76-100 Defenders

Deuce McBride, Keegan Murray And De’Aaron Fox have all made great strides to make their first top 100 list. McBride is limited by his short height, but is stuck on the perimeter and puts in big efforts. Murray quietly emerged as the Kings’ best fullback last season. Fox has overcome a reputation as a lackluster defender to really bring it to that end of the floor. He also led the league in steals.

Donte DiVincenzo, Ayo Dosunmu And Davion Mitchell are ready and willing to screw up whatever other teams try to screw up. They get into your grill and don’t come back down.

Myles Turner was the biggest decliner of anyone in the top 100, falling 49 places. He’s still a good rim protector, but nowhere near the All-Defensive caliber of a few seasons ago. Pascal Siakam has the tools to be great and can make big plays, but his focus isn’t always there.

Nikola Jokic doesn’t resemble the role of a great defender, but his teams always perform better when he is on both sides of the pitch. He has great hands, good anticipation and a nice quirk in kicking the ball to force teams to restart against a set defense.

There are some good 3-and-D wings in this group, filling one of the most important roles in the league.

Bruce Brown will not back down from anyone. Dorian Finney-Smith has a large size and tools on the wing. Cameron Johnson has improved from the skinny player who was targeted in the playoffs a few seasons ago. Nic Batum is now a full-time power forward, but can still make dashing plays. Deni Avdija took on the toughest assignments for the Wizards and did better than you might think. Javonte Green plays a lot bigger than his 6-5 height because of his athleticism and toughness.