The NBA announced its 2023-24 All-Defensive Team on Tuesday, with Minnesota Timberwolves center and Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert the only unanimous selection.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembaneyama, Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones and Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis will join Gobert on the first team.
Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso, Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs, Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels, Celtics guard Jrue Holiday second. selected for the team.
Complete 2023-24 Kia NBA All-Defensive Team voting results: pic.twitter.com/k3FODNJ0YU
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 21, 2024
This is Gobert’s seventh selection and fourth Defensive Player of the Year award this season, tying an NBA record. Gobert anchored the Timberwolves’ top-ranked defense this season, averaging 14 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 0.7 steals per game. Minnesota just advanced to the Western Conference Finals, eliminating the reigning champion Denver Nuggets from the postseason.
The selection marks a new chapter in an honorable rookie season for Wembanyama, who was also a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award along with Gobert and Adebayo. Wembanyama unanimously earned Rookie of the Year honors and was also unanimously selected to the All-Rookie Team, which was announced on Monday.
