Dwight Howard and the Most Intimidating Defensive Presence on Every NBA Team

This article will look at each NBA team’s most intimidating defensive presence.

Most players on this list, along with being the team’s most intimidating defensive presence, are also the team’s best defensive player.

But that’s not always the case. For instance, I have Andrew Bynum selected as the Los Angeles Lakers’ most intimidating presence. But Kobe Bryant and Metta World Peace are probably the team’s best overall defensive players.

So, which player from each team do you want to avoid if you are ever driving the lane in an NBA game?

Let’s take a look.

Atlanta Hawks: Josh Smith

Known for his superior athleticism and leaping ability, Josh Smith has been the defensive anchor for the Atlanta Hawks for a number of seasons.

Smith has led the Hawks in steals and blocks the last four seasons.

Boston Celtics: Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett is only a shell of the player he once was, but he is still the Boston Celtics’ most intimidating defensive player.

Known for talking trash and getting into the heads of opponents, KG’s patented snarl is just as intimidating now as it was a decade ago.

In his first season with the Celtics (2007-08), Garnett was named the Defensive Player of the Year.

Eduardo Najera: Charlotte Bobcats

Eduardo Najera has never been known for good defense per se, but given his physical—maybe even what some would consider dirty—play, he is the easy choice for the most intimidating defender on a Charlotte Bobcat team largely lacking intimidating personnel.

Joakim Noah: Chicago Bulls

If there is one current NBA player who comes close to emulating Dennis Rodman, it’s Joakim Noah, for both his unorthodox personality and defensive-minded, don’t-give-an-inch style of play.

Noah has averaged a double-double (at least 10 points and 10 rebounds) the last two seasons.

Anderson Varejao: Cleveland Cavaliers

After missing the majority of last season with a foot injury, the Cleveland Cavaliers now have their best defensive player back in the lineup, in Anderson Varejao.

Varejao was named to the All-Defensive Second Team, following the 2009-2010 season.

Jason Kidd: Dallas Mavericks

Upon looking at the Dallas Mavericks roster, I was a little amazed at just how weak the team is defensively without Tyson Chandler anchoring the paint anymore.

Therefore, I mixed things up, and selected the ageless wonder, Jason Kidd, as the defending champs’ representative.

In his career, Kidd has been named to nine All-Defensive Teams (four first-team selections and five second-team selections).

Chris Andersen: Denver Nuggets

If his numerous tattoos and zany hairdos aren’t intimidating enough, consider the fact “The Birdman” has led the Denver Nuggets in blocked shots the last three seasons.

Tayshaun Prince: Detroit Pistons

I am sure Detroit Pistons fans were happy this past offseason when the organization decided to re-sign the former Kentucky Wildcat, who has spent his entire 10-year career with the Pistons.

Playing with a lot of young, unproven players and veterans not necessarily known for defense, Prince, who has been named to four All-Defensive Second Teams, is still the Pistons' most intimidating defensive presence.

Kwame Brown: Golden State Warriors

No, this is not a mistake, I have selected Kwame Brown as the Golden State Warriors' most intimidating defender.

Believe it or not, despite his shortcomings and overall disappointing career, Kwame is an above-average post defender.  

Samuel Dalembert: Houston Rockets

Days before the 2011-12 season began, the Houston Rockets signed Samuel Dalembert to strengthen their dangerously thin frontcourt.

Now the team has a player who has career averages of eight rebounds and two blocks as their last line of defense.

Tyler Hansbrough: Indiana Pacers

Carrying over his non-stop motor from the collegiate ranks into the NBA, Tyler Hansbrough is starting to strike fear into his NBA counterparts, much like he did against the other ACC teams during his college years at North Carolina.

I guess you would have to be somewhat intimidating to earn the nickname: “Psycho T.”

DeAndre Jordan: Los Angeles Clippers

DeAndre Jordan, who led the Los Angeles Clippers in blocks last season, is hoping to become the team’s defensive centerpiece much like Tyson Chandler did for the Dallas Mavericks last season.

The Clippers matched an offer sheet from the Golden State Warriors this offseason, keeping Jordan in Los Angeles for the next four years, paying him $43 million.

Andrew Bynum: Los Angeles Lakers

You can definitely make the argument Kobe Bryant and/or Metta World Peace as being the Los Angeles Lakers’ two best defenders, but I believe Andrew Bynum is the most intimidating.

Not only does Bynum stand seven feet tall and weigh close to 300 pounds, but he has a bit of a nasty streak.

In recent seasons, Bynum has laid the wood on J.J. Barea and Gerald Wallace as they were driving to the hoop.

Tony Allen: Memphis Grizzlies

Tony Allen emerged as a defensive stopper during his days with the Boston Celtics, doing a decent job of locking down the likes of Kobe Bryant in the postseason.

In his first season with the Memphis Grizzlies (2010-11), Allen was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team.

LeBron James: Miami Heat

While it’s still very much debatable as to whether LeBron James or Dwyane Wade is the Miami Heat’s best all-around defender, James is certainly the most intimidating.

Also, I have never seen D-Wade do a chase-down block, which LBJ has become so famous for recently.

Having to worry about James breathing down your neck on a breakaway is enough to give him the nod for most intimidating.

Andrew Bogut: Milwaukee Bucks

Taken with the first overall pick in the 2005 Draft, Andrew Bogut has emerged as one of the league’s best centers the last couple of seasons.

In 2010-11, Bogut led the NBA in blocked shots, averaging over two rejections a game.

Kevin Love: Minnesota Timberwolves

Kevin Love isn’t necessarily known as a defensive genuis, but for a player who led the league in rebounding last season (15.2 per game), including 31 in one game against the New York Knicks in November of 2010.

It’s rather easy picking Love as the Minnesota Timberwolves’ most intimidating defender.

Brook Lopez: New Jersey Nets

In his first two seasons in the NBA, Brook Lopez ranked in the top 10 in blocks per game.

The New Jersey Nets hope Lopez, who is out four to six weeks with a broken bone in his right foot, returns in time for the team to be part of the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

Emeka Okafor: New Orleans Hornets

Always known as a stellar defensive center, Emeka Okafor is now the New Orleans Hornets anchor in the frontcourt, after David West left for Indiana this offseason.

Okafor has led the Hornets in blocks and rebounds the last two seasons.

Tyson Chandler: New York Knicks

Tyson Chandler, who gets all the credit for transforming the Dallas Mavericks’ defense last season en route to the team's first championship, is now hoping to do the same thing for the New York Knicks, who have not been known for good defense since Jeff Van Gundy was roaming the sidelines.

Kendrick Perkins: Oklahoma City Thunder

One of the few “old school” players left in today’s league, Kendrick Perkins is most famous for tough defense and his one-of-a-kind scowl.

Now Perkins hopes to give the Oklahoma City Thunder that element of toughness all championship hopefuls must exhibit.

Dwight Howard: Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard has won the last three Defensive Player of The Year awards. Unless someone emerges out of nowhere, he will likely win the next three.

Andre Iguodala: Philadelphia 76ers

Andre Iguodala is often criticized for not producing enough on the court, given his hefty contract. Offensive numbers aside, Iguodala is arguably the most underrated defensive player in the game.

“Iggy” made his first All-Defensive Team last season, being named to the league’s Second Team.

Marcin Gortat: Phoenix Suns

After being traded to the Phoenix Suns from the Orlando Magic in December of 2010, Marcin Gortat led Phoenix in blocks and rebounds last season.

I think if things bounce the right way, the “Polish Hammer” could end up making his first All-Star team this season.

Gerald Wallace: Portland Trail Blazers

I am sure the Portland Trail Blazers were thrilled last season when they acquired Gerald Wallace from the Charlotte Bobcats at the trade deadline.

Portland now has a bona fide defensive-minded player to hang their hat on, as they hope to continue their hot start to the season.

Wallace has placed in the top 10 in steals per game five times in his career, including leading the league in takeaways during the 2005-06 season.

Chuck Hayes: Sacramento Kings

Standing at only 6’6’’, Chuck Hayes is one of the most undersized centers in recent memory. Given his strength and knack for making the bigger, often more talented opposition earn every point, Hayes has earned a reputation as one of the better low-post defenders in the game.

Tim Duncan: San Antonio Spurs

Unfortunately, Tim Duncan’s time in the NBA is coming to a conclusion.

Upon taking a look at the San Antonio Spurs roster, it’s hard not to name Duncan the team’s most intimidating defender, if for nothing else but his track record as one of the game’s all-time greats.

Throughout his career, Duncan has been named to eight All-Defensive First Teams.

James Johnson: Toronto Raptors

James Johnson, who was traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Toronto Raptors in the middle of last season, is emerging as one of the Raptors’ top defensive threats.

While only standing 6’9’’ and weighing 245 pounds, Johnson was second on the team in blocked shots last season and is currently tied for the lead this season.

Raja Bell: Utah Jazz

Raja Bell “broke out” as a top-notch defender during the 2006 and 2007 postseasons, doing an admirable job trying to shut down Kobe Bryant in the prime of Kobe’s career.

Bell has been named to one All-Defensive First Team (2007) and one second team (2008) in his 12-year NBA career.

JaVale McGee: Washington Wizards

Don’t let JaVale McGee’s highlight reels lead you to believe the only thing he is capable of doing is throwing down monster dunks.

McGee ranked second in the league in both blocks per game (2.4) and total blocks (193) last season.