Nugg Love
Fansided

Nugg Love’s top 10 defensive players in NBA history

By Michael Longhofer

Phoenix Suns v Utah JazzSALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 14: Alex Len #21 of the Phoenix Suns blocks the shot by Jonas Jerebko #8 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 14, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Utah Jazz beat the Phoenix Suns 107-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)Getty ID: 918398032
Phoenix Suns v Utah JazzSALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 14: Alex Len #21 of the Phoenix Suns blocks the shot by Jonas Jerebko #8 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 14, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Utah Jazz beat the Phoenix Suns 107-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)Getty ID: 918398032 /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 18: Bill Russell looks on during the NBA All-Star Game as a part of 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend at STAPLES Center on February 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 18: Bill Russell looks on during the NBA All-Star Game as a part of 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend at STAPLES Center on February 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Bill Russell:  DWS: 133.64 (!)

I have a confession.  Bill Russell is before my time.  I’ve never seen him play, never really looked into his career.  Like anyone that has paid attention to the NBA for any amount of time, I know Russell is one of the top few players ever to play and probably the most respected name in the game.

The first thing that jumps out is that absurd 133.64 win share.  A full 28 points higher than the next highest player.  Russell, perhaps even more than Wilt Chamberlain, dominated his era like no other.

The numbers are staggering, Russell AVERAGED 22.5 rebounds per game for his career. He is on the 25th, 35th and 50th NBA Anniversary teams. He was a 5 time League MVP, a 12 time all-star (including MVP in 1963.) The League did not keep blocked shot statistics until 1973 or expect that Russell would be atop that list, as well.  He was a prolific defender and rim protector.

He won 11 NBA Championships.

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