Best defensive players in NBA2K25

Oftentimes, defense is an underrated quality of a player NBA 2K25But the best athletes at blocking shots will keep their rivals from scoring any points. Good defensive players will steal passes, snatch rebounds and disrupt enemy formations to force desperation shots. You'll want at least a couple of athletes on your team who can shake your opponent's confidence with high-pressure defense.

Although there are many new changes to NBA 2K25 Regarding the physics that define defense, every player still has a Overall rating Determined by several stats. Defending is one stat category with several subsections that define an athlete's abilities. For example, a player with high defending may also have high pass perception, making them adept at stealing passes.

10

Dillon Brooks (Houston Rockets)

Stay defending for a long time

Dillon Brooks Is a strong defender who specializes in guarding the top three-point shooters on an opposing team. With a perimeter defense score of 91, Brooks can lock down even some of the most accurate athletes your team faces. While Brooks may not be the best at rebounding the ball, he has a surprisingly good three-point shot of his own that he can use if he's open.

Another reason Brooks is a solid defensive player in the league is his athleticism. Brooks has an incredible 88 stamina rating, meaning he can play at top speed and intensity much more than some other players. Use this to Keep Brooks longer against top opposing scoresAnd watch your rivals tire while Brooks continues to keep up the pressure.

9

OG Anunoby (New York Knicks)

Lock down the outside

Similar to Brooks, and Annobi Makes for an excellent defender from his 90 Perimeter Defense stat, but that's not his only talent. Like some of the best players in NBA 2K25Anunoby can score from outside himself, creating opportunities as a well-rounded player. With high athletics too, you will always have a weapon on the court with the athlete active.

Anunoby is also consistent on defense, using high Assist Defense IQ and pass perception to regularly disrupt offensive movements. If you're looking to see what defending subsections define an athlete, you can always check the scores on a specific player:

• Interior Defense
• Perimeter Defense
• stealing
• Block
• Lateral quickness
• Help Defense IQ
• pass perception
• Defensive consistency

Other categories under athleticism are also useful to know, as well as rebounding for some of the greatest defensive talents in the league.

8

Jusuf Nurkic (Phoenix Suns)

Rebound every missed shot

While it may not seem like Jusuf Nurkic Be the best defender you can have, keep in mind that rebounding potential can be an integral part of your defense. Getting a clutch rebound changes possession back to your team, allowing you to score or stop an opponent's momentum. Nurkic is the perfect player for this, as his 7'0" height gives him a 93 defensive rebounding stat that is hard to compete with.

7

Marcus Smart (Memphis Grizzlies)

Steal the ball from under your opponent's nose

Marcus Smart Is a playmaker through and through, with an insane 96 stat in steals under the defending category. This trait makes Smart a weapon on your team that can constantly force a sudden turnover for a quick score. With 93 Agility, Smart has the speed to make your opponent second guess their decisions when trying to play around the possibility of a stolen ball.

Not every defensive player can score as often as Smart can, as he is one of the few athletes with above-average inside scoring. Further to that trait, Smart has a surprising 95 close shot stat, meaning it's hard for him to miss a shot when under the rim. Smart can quickly cross the court to reach a spot where almost all of his steals will add up to points after a quick bucket.

6

Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)

The best defense is also a good offense

One of Marcus Smart's teammates, Jaren Jackson Jr.Is also an excellent defensive player, but maybe not for the reasons you might expect. Jackson Jr. Has solid defending but excels at scoring everywhere on the court once his defense has stopped. This makes him a threat from anywhere, capable of shutting down rival players and scoring points for your team.

The interior defense stat of 90 also put Jackson Jr. Far beyond other defensive athletes in the game. With the introduction of NBA 2K25's new shot meter, many players will have a harder time scoring overall at this entry in the series. When combined with Jackson Jr. s strong defense, it will be difficult for many rivals to get clear shots with even their best shooters.

5

Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat)

Versatility leads to victory

Bam Adebayo Does not have a bad stat, making him a rare athlete who can be considered a jack-of-all-trades. That versatility means Adebayo can score, defend, rebound and stick with whoever you put him to guard during a game of NBA 2K25. As you can see in the above video by YouTube creator Exclusive buildsAdebayo's traits make him an almost perfect center to have in your team.

However, another reason Adebyao shines is due to his 95 Defensive Consistency and 94 Assist Defense IQ. Even when you're not controlling him, Adebayo knows how to support teammates to really shut down opposing players trying to get an open shot or pass. This can lead to some critical mistakes being made by your opponent, partly forced by Adebayo's efforts.

4

Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics)

Stop shooting three-pointers at all times

Allowing an enemy team to make three-pointers consistently can spell doom for your team, especially if you don't have a defender like Jury Holiday On your team. This player excels in perimeter defense with a 95 in this stat, but it's his extra speed that makes this score strong. Holiday's 96 lateral quickness score also allows him to race across the perimeter with breakneck speeds to destroy a long-range shot.

When combined with a 96 Agility and 93 Pass Perception, Holiday can move wherever you need him most during a game. The best strategy to use when this player is on your team is to put him against the most talented three-point shooting player aligned with your opponent, such as Stephen Curry.

3

Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)

Block nearly every shot

Victor Vembanyama Has the highest block stat in the defending category in the league, allowing him to stop almost any shot against him. With 95 Defense Consistency and 95 Assist Defense IQ, Vembanyama knows how to get to the right place at the right time. 95 Interior Defense also allows the athlete to secure spots on the court where your rivals can quickly get an easy shot.

Vembanyama's block is 99, but his defensive rebound is also 92, giving him the means to change possession easily from shots he disrupts. The 94 stamina also seen on the athlete prevents them from enforcing defensive situations several times in NBA 2K25. An unexpected stat of 98 hands will prevent Vembanyama from often losing the ball in chaotic scenarios as he blocks and rebounds the ball.

2

Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)

Relentless defense that never gets tired

Very few defensive players have the same level of athleticism as Anthony DavisWhose sheer endurance creates a relentless force against a rival team. With 97 Stamina and 98 Hustle, Davis will chase down and guard enemy players without stopping. Incredible inside scoring makes Davis a strong offensive athlete as well, giving her a weapon on the court at all times.

1

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)

Destroy and destroy offensive plans

Giannis Antetokounmpo Is perhaps the best defender in NBA 2K25 Due to his athleticism in combination with his defending stats. With a 95 defensive consistency, Antetokounmpo surpasses most athletes in all subcategories of the defending category. Although he may not have the highest block, pass perception or steal compared to other players, almost every one of those scores is 85 or higher.

Every athleticism subcategory stat is also 85 or higher, making Antetokounmpo a monster who never relents on defense. As you can see in the above video by YouTube creator Dignify2KThe athlete uses the stats to force plays to happen. Those looking for the best defense players in NBA 2K25 Should consider using Antetokounmpo just for how his playmaking constantly makes victory a possibility.

Source: LakerFan/YouTube, Exclusive Bilds/YouTube, Dignify2K/YouTube