Bucks Zone

Donovan Mitchell names Jrue Holiday as one of the NBA's best defenders

Donovan Mitchell holds Jrue Holiday in such high regard.

Jonas Panerio

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Cleveland Cavaliers superstar Donovan Mitchell is one of the league’s best scorers, capable of scorching NBA defenses down to the ground. Naturally, every team’s best defender has the assignment of trying to slow the former Louisville standout down. And while many have failed at this task, Mitchell was candid enough to name who he thinks are the best defenders in the NBA right now, and the list includes the Milwaukee Bucks’ tough point guard, Jrue Holiday.

Premier defensive player

When it comes to conversations involving the NBA’s best defenders, one can’t have it without Holiday being a huge part of it. Universally recognized by both the media and NBA players themselves as one of the best defenders in the league, Holiday has earned the right to be considered a premier defensive player.

His combination of size and strength make it difficult for opposing guards to get by him, while his positioning is almost always perfect, allowing him to disrupt any offensive plans set by the opposition. He’s also got great anticipation which helps provide an extra layer of security, further protecting the Milwaukee Bucks from opponents’ offensive schemes.

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Cream of the crop

The other players that Mitchell recognized as the cream of the crop when it comes to NBA-type defense were Oklahoma City forward Luguentz Dort, Toronto Raptors' wingman OG Anunoby, and Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo. Tied for another spot on the Cavaliers star’s list were former Defensive Player of the Year award-winners Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors and Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics.

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO