Some like flashy crossovers or a nasty dunk, but I'm of those that like strong, gritty D. When I see players running, covering the space, contesting shots and get to the passing lanes - I see commitment and passion to win. These awards are for that. For the guy that want to win and are not afraid to sacrifice to do it.
1st team - NBA Best
PG - Rajon Rondo
Not one PG in the league destroyed him. He doesn't miss assigments, has excellent lateral movement and is long enough to contest many shots. He is the most overlooked good defender in the league, mostly because Garnett draws the attention.
SG - Kobe Bryant
There's a reason 2 position is called Shooting guard. Most of the players have offense as their primary task, so there's no a lock down defender here, and Bryant is the only not far from it. If he needs, he'll exert his energy on D and make a defensive stop. If he doesn't - he'll be steady, every game, every possesion.
SF - Shane Battier
Rockets have the best defence in the West, and Battier is the reason why. He'll defend top outside player night in and night out, and make them work for every shot. He is also always on the help at the right time and hustles as anybody in the league. Bowen wasn't at his best this season, so Battier gets the nod.
PF - Kevin Garnett
His passion got beyond all limits, and he must get credited for Celtics' success. Unmovable yet quick, KG will get to contest every shot and block a few. Still among the best defensive rebounders in the league. Add to all this his ability to get in opponents head with the trash talk and constant communication with his teammates, and you have a whole package.
C - Rasheed Wallace
The Best one-on-one post defender in the league. Sheed is a textbook defender. He always has his hand high up in the air prepared for a quick block or shot change, has a perfect angle on pick and rolls and plays well on thin line between foul and a no call.
2nd Team
PG - Chris Paul
SG - Raja Bell
SF - Bruce Bowen
PF - Tim Duncan
C - Dwight Howard
3rd Team
PG - Jason Kidd
SG - Ronnie Brewer
SF - Josh Smith
PF - Lamar Odom
C - Samuel Dalembert
Honorable mentions - Stephen Jackson, James Posey, Marcus Camby, LeBron James, Andrei Kirilenko
All defensive Worst Team [key players only]
PG - Mike Bibby
SG - Ben Gordon
SF - Peja Stojakovic
PF - Andrea Bargnani
C - Mark Blount
