Best Defensive Players in NBA 2K25
In NBA 2K25, defense can often be overlooked, but it's a critical aspect of building a championship-caliber team. Great defenders disrupt opposing offenses by stealing passes, grabbing rebounds, and forcing low-percentage shots. The game introduces updated physics and refined gameplay mechanics that make defense more impactful than ever. Having elite defenders on your team is essential for keeping opponents from scoring and shaking their confidence.
In NBA 2K25, a player's Overall Rating is shaped by a variety of skills, including defense. Defensive skills are broken down into subcategories such as Perimeter Defense, Interior Defense, Steal, and Block. The best defenders not only excel in one area but often show versatility across multiple defensive skills. As you build your team, knowing which players excel at defense is critical.
Here's a breakdown of the best defensive players in NBA 2K25 and how their stats can give you an edge on the court.
10. Dillon Brooks (Houston Rockets)
Overall Rating: 79
Defending: 77
Perimeter Defense: 91
Athleticism: 82
Dillon Brooks is known for his tenacious perimeter defense. With a Perimeter Defense stat of 91, Brooks is the perfect player to guard the opponent's top shooter. While he might not dominate on rebounds, his ability to apply constant pressure to outside shooters makes him a valuable asset in NBA 2K25.
His high stamina (88) allows him to maintain this intensity for longer periods, making him a crucial defender late in games. If you're looking to bolster your perimeter defense, Brooks is a strong choice, and with 2K25 MT, you can quickly upgrade his key attributes for an even greater impact.
9. OG Anunoby (New York Knicks)
Overall Rating: 84
Defending: 85
Perimeter Defense: 90
Athleticism: 82
OG Anunoby is a well-rounded player, known for his defensive prowess and offensive capabilities. His 90 Perimeter Defense makes him one of the best defenders in the game, capable of locking down top shooters. What sets Anunoby apart is his ability to contribute offensively with a solid three-point shot, making him a dual threat.
In addition to his defensive skills, Anunoby has impressive pass perception and help defense IQ, constantly disrupting the flow of the opposing team's offense. If you want to develop his defensive skills even further, buy NBA 2K25 MT to enhance his attributes and unlock key badges.
8. Jusuf Nurkic (Phoenix Suns)
Overall Rating: 80
Defending: 64
Rebounding: 89
Height: 7'0"
While Nurkic may not seem like a top-tier defender at first glance, his rebounding ability is a critical aspect of his defensive game. With a 93 Defensive Rebounding stat, Nurkic excels at securing possession for his team after a missed shot. His height and strength make him a formidable presence in the paint, ensuring your team controls the boards.
Defensive rebounding can be the difference between a win and a loss, and investing in 2K25 MT to improve Nurkic's other defensive attributes can make him a more complete player.
7. Marcus Smart (Memphis Grizzlies)
Overall Rating: 80
Defending: 84
Steal: 96
Athleticism: 84
Marcus Smart is one of the most disruptive defenders in NBA 2K25, thanks to his 96 Steal rating. He's a constant threat to create turnovers and score in transition. Smart's agility (93) allows him to move quickly around the court, keeping up with the best ball handlers.
Additionally, Smart's offensive capabilities, particularly in close-range scoring, make him more than just a defensive specialist. If you're building a team focused on forcing turnovers and fast breaks, Smart is a must-have. Use 2K25 MT to maximize his steal and agility stats for even better performance.
6. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)
Overall Rating: 87
Defending: 80
Interior Defense: 90
Outside Scoring: 84
Jaren Jackson Jr. is a versatile defender who excels in the paint with his 90 Interior Defense. While he's a solid shot blocker and paint protector, Jackson is also a capable scorer, making him a well-rounded player on both ends of the court.
With the game's improved shot meter mechanics, having a defender like Jackson Jr. who can consistently challenge shots in the paint is invaluable. Boost his defensive skills further with 2K25 MT, and you'll have a player who dominates both offensively and defensively.
5. Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat)
Overall Rating: 88
Defending: 86
Rebounding: 82
Defensive Consistency: 95
Bam Adebayo is a defensive powerhouse, with high stats across multiple categories. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, and his 95 Defensive Consistency ensures he remains effective throughout the game. Adebayo also has excellent rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, making him a valuable player in the paint.
Invest in NBA 2K25 MT to enhance Adebayo's badges and attributes, allowing him to completely shut down opposing offenses.
4. Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics)
Overall Rating: 87
Defending: 85
Perimeter Defense: 95
Lateral Quickness: 96
Jrue Holiday is one of the top perimeter defenders in NBA 2K25, with a 95 Perimeter Defense and 96 Lateral Quickness. His agility allows him to cover ground quickly and disrupt three-point shooters. He's an excellent choice to guard elite perimeter players like Stephen Curry.
By upgrading Holiday's key stats using 2K25 MT, you can make him an even more formidable defender capable of shutting down top scorers.
3. Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
Overall Rating: 91
Defending: 80
Block: 99
Rebounding: 92
Victor Wembanyama is an elite shot-blocker with a 99 Block rating, making him the best rim protector in NBA 2K25. His 92 Defensive Rebound stat ensures that once he stops a shot, he secures possession for his team. Wembanyama's size and skill make him a must-have defender in any lineup.
2. Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)
Overall Rating: 94
Defending: 83
Athleticism: 85
Stamina: 97
Anthony Davis combines elite athleticism with strong defensive skills, particularly in the paint. His 97 Stamina and 98 Hustle ensure he can apply pressure throughout the game without tiring.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
Overall Rating: 97
Defending: 87
Athleticism: 91
Defensive Consistency: 95
Giannis is arguably the best defender in NBA 2K25, with high ratings across all defensive subcategories. His combination of Athleticism and Defensive Consistency makes him a versatile defender capable of guarding any position.
To maximize his potential, buy NBA 2K25 MT to enhance Giannis' defensive attributes and badges, making him the ultimate defensive anchor for your team.
Defensive players are crucial in NBA 2K25, and investing in 2K25 MT can help you quickly improve your team's defensive capabilities. Whether it's upgrading badges or acquiring top-tier defenders, using buy 2K25 MT allows you to build a team that excels on both ends of the court.