The 2018-19 NBA All-Defensive First Team is in with Utah Jazz’s center Rudy Gobert and Oklahoma City Thunder’s forward Paul George leading the pack alongside Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo. This three are also the finalists 2018-19 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, which will be presented on Monday, June 24 during the third annual NBA Awards ceremony.
Gobert received 196 points from the voters, including 97 First Team votes, with George receiving the second highest total with 195 point and 96 First Team votes. Antetokounmpo wasn’t far behind, managing to get 193 points (94 First Team votes).
Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics (145 points; 63 First Team votes) and Milwaukee Bucks’ Eric Bledsoe (100 points; 36 First Team votes) close out the 2018-19 NBA All-Defensive First Team with their first career-selection.
The league also announced the 2018-19 NBA All-Defensive Second Team which features New Orleans Pelicans’ Jrue Holiday, Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid and Toronto Raptors Kawhi Leonard.
