Defense has been a bigger part of Nets history than many fans realize. Bleacher Report included 11 former Brooklyn and New Jersey players among the NBA's 99 greatest defenders ever, including two ranked in the all-time top six.
The Brooklyn Nets have featured plenty of elite scorers throughout franchise history, but they've also had more than their fair share of defensive stars.
After placing 14 current and former Nets on its list of the NBA's 99 greatest shooters and six on its ranking of the league's 50 greatest dunkers, Bleacher Report once again highlighted the franchise's history by including 11 players in its list of the 99 greatest defenders ever.
The group spans multiple eras and includes everything from lockdown perimeter defenders to Hall of Fame rim protectors. It also features two players ranked among the six greatest defenders in NBA history.
Leading the way was Kevin Garnett, who came in at No. 3 overall behind only Bill Russell and Tim Duncan.
Although Garnett spent just over two seasons with Brooklyn, his place among the game's all-time defensive greats had long been established. The former MVP won Defensive Player of the Year in 2008, earned 12 All-Defensive selections and built a reputation as one of the most versatile big men the league has ever seen. Whether he was protecting the rim, switching onto guards, or quarterbacking an entire defense, Garnett impacted every possession.
Dikembe Mutombo wasn't far behind, earning the No. 6 spot.
The Hall of Fame center spent part of the 2001-02 season with New Jersey, but his legacy was built over nearly two decades as one of basketball's premier shot blockers. Mutombo won four Defensive Player of the Year awards, led the NBA in blocks three times and became one of the league's most recognizable players thanks to his signature finger wag after rejecting shots.
Alonzo Mourning also cracked the top 20, landing at No. 20.
While his time with the Nets came near the end of his career, Mourning was one of the most intimidating interior defenders of his generation. He captured two Defensive Player of the Year awards, averaged 2.8 blocks per game for his career and helped establish the defensive identity that defined Miami throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Jason Kidd was next at No. 32.
Kidd's passing and leadership often receive the most attention when looking back on his Hall of Fame career, but his defense played just as big a role in his success. A nine-time All-Defensive selection, Kidd combined size, instincts and anticipation to consistently frustrate opposing guards while helping lead the Nets to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances.
At No. 39 was Andrei Kirilenko, one of the most versatile defenders of his era.
Kirilenko spent just one season in Brooklyn, but his best years came with the Utah Jazz, where his ability to guard nearly every position made him a nightmare matchup. Few forwards have ever matched his combination of weak-side shot blocking, length, and defensive versatility.
Maurice Cheeks checked in at No. 51 after putting together one of the finest defensive careers ever by a point guard.
Cheeks made five All-Defensive teams and averaged at least two steals per game in each of his first 10 NBA seasons. Though he played only one season in New Jersey, his ability to pressure opposing ball handlers made him one of the league's elite perimeter defenders throughout the 1980s.
Mookie Blaylock followed at No. 66.
One of the best ball hawks the NBA has ever seen, Blaylock led the league in steals twice and finished his career fourth all-time in steals per game. His relentless on-ball defense earned him six All-Defensive selections over a standout 13-year career.
Just behind him at No. 69 was Buck Williams, one of the greatest players in franchise history.
Williams spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Nets and became one of the league's most dependable rebounders and interior defenders. His physical style of play helped him earn four All-Defensive selections while establishing himself as one of the NBA's toughest power forwards during the 1980s.
Brook Lopez landed at No. 76.
Lopez entered the league as one of the franchise's top offensive players, but as his career evolved, so did his impact on the defensive end. His rim protection became a cornerstone of Milwaukee's defense, and he now ranks 14th in NBA history in career blocks.
DeAndre Jordan came in at No. 93.
Best known for anchoring the "Lob City" Clippers, Jordan was one of the NBA's premier defensive centers during his prime thanks to his rebounding, shot blocking and ability to control the paint. His stint in Brooklyn was brief, but his defensive résumé earned him a spot on the list.
Rounding out the Nets' representatives was Ben Simmons at No. 94.
Injuries prevented Simmons from reaching his full potential in Brooklyn, but at his peak with the Philadelphia 76ers, he was one of the NBA's most versatile defenders. His combination of size, quickness, and athleticism allowed him to defend all five positions, leading to two First Team All-Defensive selections and consecutive top-four finishes in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Looking through the rankings, it's clear the Nets have been home to plenty of elite defenders over the years. Some spent only a brief stint in Brooklyn or New Jersey, while others became franchise cornerstones and helped define entire eras.
The biggest headline, though, is at the very top of the list. Kevin Garnett and Dikembe Mutombo both ranked among the six greatest defenders in NBA history, and both spent part of their careers with the Nets. It's another reminder that while the franchise is often associated with offensive stars, some of the game's all-time defensive greats have also worn a Brooklyn or New Jersey uniform.
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