Biggest Pest on Every NBA Team

The mark of every great NBA team is a player who is an absolute pest on defense.  This man usually smothers the opposition on that side of the court and just doesn't back down.  If he does his job effectively, game-changing turnovers often occur.

To give you an example, one of the best pests in the NBA is Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo.  He is just such an amazing athlete that he plays with the tenacity of someone much larger than his slight 6'1" frame.  Sure enough, opposing teams do their best to keep the ball away from him, especially when he is defending.

That being said, let's dive right in and look at the biggest pest on each NBA team.

Atlanta Hawks: Josh Smith

Whenever the Atlanta Hawks are on national television, I try to watch solely for the purpose of seeing Josh Smith play.  The 6'9" forward is just so unbelievably versatile on defense that watching him work his magic on the court is something that should be required viewing for anyone first getting into basketball.

While he has done a fine job as a rebounder, with a career average of 7.7 boards per game, his 7'0" wingspan has helped him become one of the most dominating shot blockers in the NBA.  His career mark in that department is 2.2 per game.

That being said, Smith is a pest because you just never know when he is going to strike.  He'll either be covering a player to the point where no move can be made efficiently or he'll come flying like a bat out of hell and block a shot with authority.

Either way, if I were an NBA coach and my team was playing the Hawks, I'd have one objective for that game: Don't let Smith get close to the ball when he's on defense.

Boston Celtics: Rajon Rondo

If there is just one word to describe Rajon Rondo's pesky defense, I think I've found it: ninja.  This guy just comes out of nowhere and steals the ball when opposing players least expect it.  Thus, it's no wonder Rondo has made the All-Defensive first team the past two seasons and the second team in 2009.

For his career, Rondo has averaged 1.9 steals and a respectable 4.4 rebounds per game.  Considering how he is 6'1" and a skinny 171 pounds, both of those stats move from respectable to incredible.

Charlotte Bobcats: Kemba Walker

The Charlotte Bobcats are a young team who don't really have any active player who can be called a pest, but I'm going to go out on a limb and pick one anyway.  Recent first-round pick Kemba Walker doesn't have one NBA game under his belt yet, but his defense as the star point guard of the University of Connecticut convinces me he is a pest in the making.

In three years as a Husky, Walker averaged 1.7 steals per game and in his junior year averaged 5.4 rebounds.  That's just amazing considering he stands just 6'1" and weighs 172 pounds.

With a build similar to Rondo and a willingness to learn that should make head coach Paul Silas beam with joy, Walker and his talents could be just what the doctor ordered for the reeling Bobcats.

Chicago Bulls: Ronnie Brewer

Ever since Ronnie Brewer was drafted by the Utah Jazz back in 2006, he has gained a reputation as a defensive wizard.  He may not have the rebounding ability expected of someone 6'7", but the way he covers his man is impeccable.  Brewer is just relentless when it comes to frustrating the opposition and getting the ball back for his team.

Don't let the seemingly low career average of 1.4 steals fool you.  Brewer is not someone to be taken lightly defensively and is a pest and a half.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Anderson Varejao

Anderson Varejao has been making the lives of opposing players difficult ever since entering the NBA in 2004.  The man is just so unbelievably tough and overbearing on defense that you can't help but hate him, but also respect him if he makes your team look foolish.

He has only averaged 6.9 rebounds for his career and has never been much of a shot blocker or stealer, but the fact that Varejao's swarming defense has kept him in the NBA this long clearly says something.  The man knows what he's doing and he does it well.

Dallas Mavericks: Shawn Marion

Had it not been for Shawn Marion's toughness and clutch play, I don't think the Dallas Mavericks would have stood a chance against the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.  In fact, I don't think they would have made it that far in the postseason.

The fact is, Marion has a bulldog mentality when it comes to shutting down the opposition, and in the long run it helped his team win a championship.  On that side of the floor, he can do it all: rebound, block and steal.  For his career, he has averaged 9.4 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.7 steals per game.

If that isn't a pest, then I don't know what is.

Denver Nuggets: Andre Miller

Now that he is back in Denver thanks to a draft-day trade, Andre Miller is now the biggest pest on the Nuggets.  Though he has never gotten any NBA recognition for his defense, he is still pretty pesky on that side of the floor, especially when it comes to steals.  He's only averaged 1.4 a game for his career, but there is something else about his stealing ability that should be noted.

Miller played his college ball at the University of Utah and averaged just over two steals per game there.  When he left school, he was the team's all-time leader in steals with 254, a mark he still holds today.

He may be moving from the starting lineup to the bench, but look for Miller to be a complete pest on defense as the Nuggets get ready for their first full season without Carmelo Anthony.

Detroit Pistons: Rip Hamilton

Before John Kuester turned him into a disgruntled individual and benched him, Rip Hamilton was actually a tough halfcourt defender as well as a phenomenal shooter.  Both he and Rodney Stuckey formed a tough tandem in that department and worked wonders shutting down some of the best guards in the league.

He has averaged under a steal per game for his career, but that's not the point.  The fact is that Hamilton was a pesky defender when Flip Saunders was coaching him and now that he has another motivating coach in Lawrence Frank, perhaps that style of play that the fans surely miss will make a comeback.

Golden State Warriors: Monta Ellis

It's truly a shame Monta Ellis' heavy contract is forcing Warriors management to consider trading him.  Night after night, this man just puts the team on his back in every way possible.  He can shoot (and quite well) and has shown he can play phenomenal defense.

Last year, in an astonishing 40.3 minutes per game, Ellis averaged 2.1 steals per game.  To have a player who can steal that effectively and also score 25 points a game is extremely rare in today's game.

Sure enough, the way Ellis swarms his man on defense, teams fighting with the Warriors for playoff positioning would be very happy to see the man traded to another team so that a less pesky guard could defend their best players.

Houston Rockets: Kyle Lowry

The Houston Rockets, while in possession of some talented players, do not have what one would call a conventional pest.  The closest player who fits that definition is former Villanova Wildcat Kyle Lowry, who averaged 2.3 steals per game in his final year at school.

Since coming to the NBA, Lowry has struggled to accumulate playing time but finally got his chance last year in Houston.  He has only averaged 1.1 steals per game for his career, but averaged a slightly better 1.4 last year.

The fact is that Lowry is the type of player who needs to play extended minutes to be effective and now that he got that opportunity last year, it's time for him to take it to the next level and become the pest he was in college.

Indiana Pacers: James Posey

Before we go into how great a pest he is, let me just say that James Posey is one of the most overpaid players in the NBA.  Next season, he will enter the last season of a four-year deal worth $25 million.

Yet, the reason Posey got such a big contract is because he is simply a mastermind at playing lockdown defense.  He has only averaged 1.1 steals per game for his career, but he just uses his body to make it impossible for the man he's covering to get a shot or a pass off.

Posey's pest-like defense has earned him two championship rings, one with the Miami Heat and one with the Boston Celtics.  When he is healthy, he surely is one of the best defenders in the league.

Los Angeles Clippers: Chris Kaman

The best way to describe Chris Kaman's defense would be mind-boggling.  Here is a seven-footer who is often injured and not what most would call a great athlete, yet he works the middle like he owns it whenever he does play.

Simply put, Kaman is not a man to be taken lightly in spite of all the injury woes he has had since being drafted in 2003.  Keep in mind that this is someone who just four seasons ago averaged an unbelievable 2.8 blocks per game.  In fact, shot blocking is what makes Kaman a Grade-A pest.

Just imagine it.  A player is driving the lane, getting ready to unleash hell on Kaman.  Suddenly, Kaman's athleticism in the middle breaks out and the shot is blocked, albeit with a sort of nonchalant feel to it.

That being said, perhaps the Clippers would be smart to hang onto him seeing as how DeAndre Jordan is a restricted free agent and could leave.

Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant

Considering how he has played shooting guard for his entire career, the fact that Kobe Bryant is as much of a pest as he is on defense is mind-blowing.  Here is a man who has averaged 25.3 points per game for his career, but has also been named to nine All-Defensive first teams and two All-Defensive second teams.

Remember how I said that Rajon Rondo was ninja-like in his defense?  Well, Bryant's defense could be one of the main inspirations for his nickname, "The Black Mamba."  The man is just so elusive on the court and moves with such finesse that opposing players have no way of knowing when he's going to strike and suddenly be running up the court with the ball they just had.

Once Bryant finishes the play with a thunderous dunk, the pain of the Mamba's strike is felt.  Word to the wise: Don't underestimate the power of Kobe Bryant as a pest.

Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Allen

For the past five years, Tony Allen has established himself as a lockdown defender who can play with both physicality and finesse.  Last year, he was the pest of the Memphis Grizzlies as he averaged 1.8 steals per game coming off the bench.  His efforts were strong enough for him to finish fourth in voting for NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Looking ahead to next year, it looks as though Allen will continue to be the team's biggest pest.  Considering how the team will be looking to build upon its magical run from last season, it will need all the pesky defense it can get.

Miami Heat: Dwyane Wade

Easily one of the most entertaining players to watch on offense, it could be argued that Dwyane Wade is even more fun to watch play defense.  Ever since being drafted in 2003, he has blown the fans and opposing players away with his speed and finesse when it comes to protecting his team's lead or just keeping them in a game.

For his career, Wade has averaged 1.8 steals and a respectable 5.1 rebounds per game.  Even better, he turns on the afterburners in both departments during the playoffs.  There, he averaged 1.6 steals and 5.8 boards.

Looking forward to next season, with the Heat looking to get back to the NBA Finals, I'm expecting Wade to turn the pest energy way up.

Milwaukee Bucks: Carlos Delfino

Look at that picture of Carlos Delfino covering Carmelo Anthony.  He is with the star forward every step of the way and has his eyes on the ball.

Now look at Anthony's face.  It's as though he's saying, "How am I going to shake this guy off so I can get to the basket?"

Needless to say, Delfino has done a good job of becoming a pest after getting the chance to play significant minutes the past couple of years.  Last season, despite appearing in just 49 games due to injury, he averaged 1.6 steals in 32.4 minutes of play.

Here's hoping Delfino stays healthy next season and gets some recognition for his ever-improving play!

Minnesota Timberwolves: Kevin Love

Again, we come to a team that has been so bad the past couple of seasons that it's hard to pick one player as a pest.  I would pick rookie Derrick Williams, but his role with the team at this point is so unclear that I'm forced to go with the next best option, Kevin Love.

Love is a pest in the same way as Blake Griffin.  He is just so unbelievably large at 6'10", 260 pounds that trying to beat him when going up for a rebound must be a near-impossible task.  In each of his three years in the league, his rebounding has greatly improved.

Barring any major injury, Love could possibly find himself as a candidate to average 20 boards per game next season or at any point in his career.  Considering how tough he is on that side of the court, I could actually see it happening.

New Jersey Nets: Deron Williams

The New Jersey Nets were a team with very few bright spots last season, but the one that burned the brightest was the acquisition of Deron Williams at the trade deadline.  Once he was in town, he built strong relationships with his teammates and was one of their better options on defense, even a pest at some points.

You see, in just 12 games with the team, Williams averaged a career-high 1.3 steals per game and adapted well to head coach Avery Johnson's attacking style of defense.  Seeing as how Williams is fairly big for a point guard at 6'3", 209 pounds, I expect him to be even more of a pest once next season begins.

New Orleans Hornets: Chris Paul

Standing 6'0" and weighing just 175 pounds, Chris Paul does not look like someone who is the pest of a team.  Yet, the man is easily the best defensive point guard in the league today.  Since being drafted back in 2005, Paul has become a pest that pretty much cannot be shaken.

For his career, the former Wake Forest Demon Deacon has averaged an absolutely unbelievable 2.4 steals and 4.6 rebounds per game.  He just refuses to give up when he is on defense and it has paid off tremendously, so much so that Paul just might be the top prize of next year's free agency class.

New York Knicks: Landry Fields

When I first watched Landry Fields last year, I assumed he was a DeShawn Stevenson-type player.  He could shoot three-pointers, but that would be pretty much be it in terms of what to expect from the man.  Instead, I and all other naysayers were proven wrong.

Fields turned out to be one of the surprises of the season, showing great ability not only in three-point shooting but in general defense.  Never before had I seen a guard crash the glass as much as him as he averaged 7.5 rebounds per game over the season's first two months.

There was just something acrobatic about the way Fields went up for rebounds.  The opposing team would take a bad shot and one of their guys would be getting ready to catch the ball.  But then Fields would come flying up and grab the ball for himself, as though he were saying, "I'll take that, thank you!"

Even though he'll be struggling for quality minutes now that the Knicks have a "Big Three" thing going on, Fields will still bring his A-game on defense no matter what his role is.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Serge Ibaka

Though he may be a bit raw on the offensive side of the court, Serge Ibaka is a beast and a pest on defense.  Last year, his second in the NBA, he averaged 9.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game as his toughness helped the Thunder reach the Western Conference Finals.

The fact is that Ibaka's long arms make it hard for anybody to get a shot off or get a rebound.  With rebounds, he'll outreach and outjump you.  If you're trying to take a shot, he'll sneak up on you and just reject your shot with an authority that even Cartman would have to respect.

Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard

Here we have a pest who has earned that label due to the fact that he is impossible to beat when he's playing defense.  Dwight Howard is just so big and strong that trying to box him out in a rebounding situation is like trying to climb Mount Everest.  It's HARD.

For his career, the man has averaged 12.8 rebounds and a whopping 2.2 blocks.  It's no surprise he has been named Defensive Player of the Year three years in a row and has been named to three All-Defensive first teams.

Keep an eye out for him to have a career year on the defensive end, as he will be a free agent next summer.

Philadelphia 76ers: Andre Iguodala

I can only imagine how hard it is to play basketball when Andre Iguodala is the man guarding you.  Here is a man with such amazing footwork and athleticism that he must know his opponents like books he has read multiple times.  Last year, he led the Sixers with 1.5 steals per game.

His defense impressed so much last year that he was named to the All-Defensive second team.  Considering how his name has come up in trade discussions recently, team management should consider just how much of a loss the former Arizona Wildcat's pesky defense would be.

Phoenix Suns: Jared Dudley

The Phoenix Suns aren't a team necessarily known for defense, but despite that, small forward Jared Dudley has always exhibited a respectable toughness at small forward.  Though he is primarily considered a shooter, as are most of the people who have played for Phoenix in recent years, Dudley has always done a decent job of covering his man and averaged 1.3 steals per game last year.

He may be the weakest pest out of all the ones who will be mentioned, but look for Dudley to improve further on defense as the Suns themselves look to improve and rebuild.

Portland Trail Blazers: Gerald Wallace

Gerald Wallace is an incredible pest in the fact that he plays like someone much bigger than he actually is.  At 6'7" and 220 pounds, he plays defense with the intensity and physicality of a seven-footer.  Over the past two years, he has established himself as one of the toughest defenders in the league.

This past year, he averaged eight rebounds to go with 1.5 steals per game and was instrumental in making sure the Blazers played as hard as they did in the playoffs.  Next year, he will be there all year long, making life difficult for opposing shooters as Portland looks to get back to postseason glory.

Sacramento Kings: Tyreke Evans

OK, so maybe Tyreke Evans isn't the most popular guy in Sacramento as of late.  He regressed following his award-winning rookie season and was criticized for not being a vocal leader.

Still, despite his flaws, it cannot be argued that Evans knows how to play defense.  In his brief career, he has averaged a respectable 1.5 steals per game and has done a decent job of covering his man.  With the Kings having a new look team going into next season, watch as Evans reverts to the ways that made the fans love him and watch even closer as his shutdown defense contributes to what will hopefully be many Kings victories.

San Antonio Spurs: Manu Ginobili

When it comes to playing defense, Manu Ginobili gets the pest label for one reason: He is one of the biggest floppers in the game today.  As a fan, there is nothing more frustrating to watch than a player who tries to get calls by dramatically falling to the ground and crying for a foul.  As an opposing player, I can only imagine how even more frustrating it is to have to deal with it when there's a game to be played.

Still, love him or hate him, Ginobili is a master at drawing charges and stealing the ball.  For his career, he has averaged 1.5 steals per game.

Toronto Raptors: Ed Davis

He may need to put on some muscle since he's 6'10" and weighs only 215 pounds, but Ed Davis has the makings of a tough power forward who makes life miserable for the other team.  He only appeared in 65 games last season and played most of his minutes off the bench, but the fact that he was able to average seven rebounds and a block per game as a rookie is pretty impressive.

Throw in the fact that he had a legendary block on No. 1 pick John Wall, and Davis could find himself among the game's best if he continues to improve over the next couple of years.

Utah Jazz: Paul Millsap

We've talked about Rondo the Ninja and Bryant the Black Mamba, but now it's time to meet the man whose toughness is in a league all its own.  I'm talking about Utah Jazz power forward Paul Millsap, who I've dubbed "The Dynamo."

Simply put, Millsap plays great defense, and hard.  It's as though he views playing the game as going to war, to a degree.  He has great size at 6'8" and 250 pounds and that alone makes him a pest.  No matter how players try to beat him when he's on defense, chances are they'll meet one of three fates: There's the unlikely happening of them actually making a basket, them making the basket but getting smacked in the process, or them being taken to school and having their shot go off horribly wrong.

The man averaged 7.6 rebounds, 0.9 blocks and 1.4 steals last season, so look for him to build and improve upon those as he continues to pester opposing players.

Washington Wizards: John Wall

The fact that John Wall was such a great pest as a rookie speaks volumes about his potential.  The 6'4" guard was relentless on that end of the floor, averaging 4.6 rebounds and a very impressive 1.8 steals per game.  The fact that the only part of the game that needed any work at all was his three-point shooting is just incredible.

Simply put, John Wall could be a Chris Paul in the making.  He passes the ball well, isn't afraid to crash the boards and plays great defense.  Now that he has improved his jump shot and has some more talent to work with on his team, watch for him to put up Paul-like numbers.