Rudy Gobert, Victor Wembanyama anchor All-Defensive team

Field Level Media|published: Tue 21st May, 14:32 2024

Jan 27, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and fellow Frenchman and Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama anchor the NBA All-Defensive first team announced Tuesday.

The Minnesota Timberwolves veteran and San Antonio Spurs newcomer were joined by Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat, Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers and Herbert Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans.

Gobert, 31, was a unanimous selection, receiving first-team votes from all 99 ballots from a global panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year made the first team for the seventh time after averaging 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 76 games (all starts).

Wembanyama, 20, is the first rookie ever to make the All-Defensive first team. Five others made the second team since the team's inception in 1968-69: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1969-70), Hakeem Olajuwon (1984-85), Manute Bol (1985-86), David Robinson (1989-90) and Tim Duncan (1997-98). Wembanyama led the NBA with 3.6 blocks per game.

Adebayo made the All-Defensive first team for the first time after making the second team in each of the past four seasons. Davis is on the first team for the third time, to go with two second team appearances. Jones was honored for the first time.

The 2023-24 NBA All-Defensive second team consists of Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso, Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs, Boston Celtics guards Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, and Minnesota forward Jaden McDaniels.

--Field Level Media

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