Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves will play game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals on Thursday night, looking to even up their series vs the Oklahoma City Thunder, 1-1. But prior to tonight’s NBA Playoff activities, the league has released their 2024-25 NBA All-Defensive Teams.
If you’ll remember, not only did Rudy Gobert make All-Defense 1st Team last season, but for the fourth time in his career, he was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Twelve months later, however, the 7-foot Frenchman seems to have fallen (nearly) out of favor amongst All-NBA voters.
Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Yes, Rudy did make his 8th career NBA All-Defensive team… but barely. Instead of landing back on the 1st team, for the seventh time in his Hall of Fame career, Gobert was relegated to the 2nd Team for the first time ever.
Rudy Gobert makes NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team
Not only that, but out of the ten defensive standouts to make out the 1st and 2nd teams, Rudy Gobert landed by far the least amount of “points”, at just 65 — (3) 1st place votes + (59) 2nd place votes.
Jaden McDaniels, who was named All-Defense 2nd Team in 2024-25, received votes again this year, but not nearly enough (10 points) to make either 1st or 2nd Team. Anthony Edwards also got a few 2nd place votes (3 points).
The 2024-25 Kia NBA All-Defensive Second Team!
Toumani Camara
Rudy Gobert
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jalen Williams
Ivica Zubac#NBAAwards | @Kia https://t.co/N9detG3Otz
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2025
All-Defense
(1st Team)1st place
Votes2nd Place
VotesTotal
PointsEvan Mobley (CLE)991199Dyson Daniels (ATL)919191Lu Dort (OKC)8118180Draymond Green (GSW)8117179Amen Thompson (HOU)7423171All-Defense
(2nd Team)1st place
Votes2nd Place
VotesTotal
PointsIvica Zubac (LAC)2956114Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM)2165107Jalen Williams (OKC)66779Toumani Camara (POR)66274Rudy Gobert (MIN)35965Others who received votes (point total): OG Anunoby (49), Bam Adebayo (18), Derrick White (15), Giannis Antetokounmpo (12), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (12), Jaden McDaniels (10), Dillon Brooks (7), Jarret Allen (4), Anthony Edwards (3), Brook Lopez (3), Myles Turner (3), Cason Wallace (3), Jalen Duren (1), Josh Hart (1)
Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Star Anthony Edwards Fined Again
Of course, crybaby Draymond Green climbed back into the All-Defensive 1st Team, after campaigning for himself all year long. Unfortunately for the 2016-17 DPOY, it does not appear as if he will have the backing to win 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year, as that seems destined to land with Cleveland’s Evan Mobley.
Mentioned in this article: All-NBA Team Rudy Gobert
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