2012-2013 NBA Predictions: All-Defensive First Team

2012-2013 NBA Preseason Predictions: All-Defensive First Team: The NBA created the All-Defensive First Team in 1968-69, and all-time greats like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West have all been members. However, a strong argument can be made that some of the best defenders in league history have come along in recent years. After all, Michael Jordan, Gary Payton, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett are in a four-way tie for the most first-team selections with nine. Not to mention that Tim Duncan holds the all-time record with 13 selections. Bryant, Garnett and Duncan still have time to add to their totals, but there are plenty of other players waiting to take their places. With that in mind, here is a look at my selections for the All-Defensive First Team heading into the 2012-13 season.

2012-2013 NBA Preseason Predictions: All-Defensive First Team

Forward: LeBron James, Miami Heat

While his exploits on the offensive end and highlight-reel dunks get most of the attention, James has quietly become the most versatile on-ball defender in the NBA. With his size, speed and strength, he can shut down Derrick Rose one night and Kevin Garnett the next. James will literally defend the opponent’s best player every night, regardless of what position they play, and do so at an elite level. There is a reason he was the top vote-getter on last year’s All-Defensive First Team.

Forward: Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder

After tying for the league lead in blocks per game in 2010-11, Ibaka obliterated the competition last season. He led the NBA with 3.7 blocks per game, averaging 1.5 more blocks than the next closest player. Ibaka is a devastating shot blocker as both an on-ball defender and as a help-side defender. He isn’t the best rebounder given his size and athleticism, but when he can erase shots like he does, he doesn’t need to grab double-digit rebounds to be a dominant defender.

Center: Dwight Howard, Los Angeles Lakers

There isn’t a more imposing defensive presence in the game than Howard. He is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and he has led the league in rebounds four times. His presence alone stops most players from even entering the lane, and his shot-blocking ability takes care of the rest. Howard controls the glass on the defensive end of the floor, and no player is better at protecting the rim.

Guard: Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

While his jump shot isn’t pretty, Rondo plays some of the nastiest perimeter defense in the NBA. His long arms allow him to disrupt the passing lanes and make open looks tough to come by for opposing point guards. For his career, he averages 1.9 steals per game. Rondo’s physical, in-your-face defense makes him one of the tougher defenders to get by, and he is the type of pesky player that can take a player out of their rhythm on offense. The icing on the cake is his willingness to throw his body around and help put on the glass.

Guard: Tony Allen, Memphis Grizzlies

There aren’t a ton of defensive specialists left in the NBA these days, but Allen is one of the exceptions. He has the speed and footwork to guard any perimeter player in the league, and his 6’4” frame and strength allows him to cover forwards, as well. Allen makes life difficult for any player he guards, and he constantly draws the other team’s best offensive option. His impact doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet, but if you are looking for a guy to go out and slow down a great scorer, Allen has all the tools and the attitude to get the job done.

Get the 2012 NBA vegas odds on NSAwins.com plus visit for 2012 NBA expert picks and updated 2013 NBA Finals Futures Odds.