Victor Wembanyama earned distinction as the lone unanimous selection for the NBA All-Defensive First Team, capping a remarkable season that also saw him win Defensive Player of the Year honors. The San Antonio Spurs center dominated the voting after leading the league in blocks for a third consecutive season, averaging 3.1 blocks per game. His defensive presence was on full display during the Western Conference finals against Oklahoma City, where he consistently disrupted two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Joining Wembanyama on the first team are Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson, Minnesota's Rudy Gobert, and Boston's Derrick White. Holmgren anchored the league's top-rated defense while averaging 1.9 blocks, and Thompson led the NBA with 2.0 steals per game. Gobert secured his eighth All-Defensive First Team selection, continuing his legacy as one of the game's premier rim protectors. White's steady play helped Boston finish fourth in defensive rating this season.

The second team features New York's OG Anunoby, Oklahoma City's Cason Wallace, Miami's Bam Adebayo, Atlanta's Dyson Daniels, and Toronto's Scottie Barnes. Anunoby's defensive excellence has been crucial to the Knicks' playoff run, while Wallace led the league in steals and deflections. The selections highlight a season where elite perimeter defense and rim protection dominated the conversation.