NBA All-Defensive Second Team Predictions

Guard: Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday has been known to be one of the best two-way players in the league. Holiday plays a big part in the defensive scheme that Mike Budenholzer has the Bucks running. Holiday typically guards the better of the two guards, whether it’s the point guard or shooting guard. I expect Holiday to still be a top-three defensive guard in the NBA, which would land him a spot on the All-NBA Defensive Second Team.

Guard: Dejounte Murray

Dejounte Murray has yet to make an All-Defensive team, but I think this year could be his first. Murray had a great defensive year last season, averaging two steals per game. Now that he is playing for the Hawks, he will be asked to guard the best point guard or shooting guard every night while playing next to Trae Young. In addition, his defensive ability will be more recognized now that he plays for a playoff team. He has always been a great two-way player, and I believe he will be rewarded with a spot on the All-NBA Defensive Second Team.

Forward: Jaren Jackson Jr.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is coming off a great defensive season where he made the All-Defensive First Team and averaged 2.3 blocks per game at age 22. Jackson Jr. has already proven to be a great shot blocker and a defensive anchor for the Memphis Grizzlies at such a young age. His defensive ability and IQ will only improve, and I could see him being a possible selection for a defensive team for most of his career. Jackson Jr. has the potential to win a defensive player of the year award in his career, and I expect this season to be a great year for Jackson Jr.

Forward: Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis, when healthy, can be a top-three defender in the league. He’s already proven to be a great shot blocker with a long wingspan that helps him get steals in passing lanes. He has led the league in blocks in three seasons and has been an All-Defensive player for four seasons. It’s all up to how healthy he can be. If he plays 60-plus games, he will make the All-Defensive Second Team and possibly give himself a chance to make the first team.

Center: Robert Williams III

Robert Williams III is known as a tough defender that will hustle and protect the paint for your team. The Celtics have been such a great defensive team, with big help from Williams being able to lock down the paint. Last season he averaged 2.2 blocks and .9 steals per game for Boston. If Gobert wasn’t in the league, I believe that Williams would make the first defensive team for this upcoming season. If Williams continues to work hard, he has a chance to take that spot from Gobert in the future, but for now, I see Williams III making the All-NBA Defensive Second Team for the 2022-23 season.