NBA: Nugg Love's top 10 defensive players in NBA history.

Nugg Love’s top 10 defensive players in NBA history

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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SEATTLE, WA – AUGUST 06: Former Seattle SuperSonics great Gary Payton is introduced during a jersey retirement ceremony honoring Ken Griffey Jr. prior to the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Safeco Field on August 6, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Gary Payton: DWS: 48.85

The second pick in the 1990 NBA draft (Super Sonics), Gary Payton made the second-team all-rookie NBA squad.

Nicknamed “The Glove” for his defensive strength, Gary Payton earned his moniker with an outrageous run of 9 NBA All-Defensive first team selections (1994-2002). He was DPOY in 1996. He was NBA champion with the Heat in 2006, won 2 Olympic Gold Medals (’96, ’00) and led the League in steals for the 1996 season. His 1.8 Steals per game ranks 26th all-time.

Payton rivals Kevin Garnett for trash talking prowess, he was masterful at getting in the head of his opponent. He remains the top player to have come out of the Oregon State program.

Along with Sean Kemp, Detlef Schrempf and Sam Perkins, Payton led a fearsome Seattle team to 64 wins and the 1996 NBA finals where they fell to Michael Jordan’s Bulls team.