The 5 Best Defensive Players in the 2012 NBA Draft

The 2012 NBA draft is full of incredible offensive talent, but don’t forget about the defenders who will look to lock down the league’s best scorers game in and game out.

If defense truly wins championships, these five players should be excellent additions to their new rosters next season. 

Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis was named The Associated Press’ Player of the Year last season, and his defense is the biggest reason he received the award. 

Davis—whose wingspan stretches 7’5.5”—averaged 10.4 rebounds last year, as well as a nation-leading 4.7 blocks per game.

His block-per-game average is a school record at the University of Kentucky and the third-most ever recorded by a freshman.

Davis averaged the fewest amount of points ever by an AP Player of the Year, which is the ultimate testament to just how dominant he can be on the defensive end.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is the ultimate hustle player of this year’s lottery.

With just one block and one steal per game as a freshman, his numbers may not scream at you, but it’s the intangibles and physicality that land MKG on this list.

At 6’8”, 233 pounds, the small forward has the tools to body up opponents virtually anywhere on the floor.

He can defend multiple positions, and his toughness will be a major key in his transition to the NBA game.

All of this is a result of his incredible motor and passionate work ethic, which are arguably among the best that the draft has to offer.

Andre Drummond

Andre Drummond is widely considered one of the biggest question marks of this year’s lottery.

His defense however, seemingly speaks for itself.

At 7’0”, 279 pounds, Drummond has an NBA body at just 18 years old. His presence was felt down low last year, as he averaged 2.7 blocks per game.

While his offensive game will enter the league unpolished, his defensive presence should be felt right away, as his long athleticism and explosive leaping ability are fantastic tools at virtually any level.

Fab Melo

Fab Melo is another example of a player who will come in raw, but have a good chance at impacting the defensive end right away.

Averaging 2.9 blocks in just 25.4 minutes per game last year, Melo will bring with him to the Association a physical game that is centered in the paint.

At 7’0”, 255 pounds, he won’t be outsized in many occasions next year.

His low basketball IQ is concerning, but based on size and athletic ability, he has promise to be a very solid defender at the NBA level.

John Henson

John Henson’s ceiling in the NBA is tough to predict, but one thing that’s for sure is that his shot-blocking ability is going to be among the best of the 2012 class.

The former North Carolina Tar Heel averaged 2.9 blocks as a junior last season and is an incredibly long, athletic post player.

At 6’10”, 216 pounds, his position in the NBA is up in the air at this point.

He’ll need to add strength if he’s going to play center, but he’ll need to improve his jumper if he’s going to play power forward.

What we do know however, is that he can block virtually anybody’s shot and his work ethic is right where it should be, making him a potential All-Defensive member as his game continues to develop.