Few things can be counted on for a consistent laugh like the NBA All-Defensive team voting. It is always a laugh. This year it didn’t disappoint — somebody voted for Carlos Boozer. Yes, that Carlos Boozer. For his defense.
But no complaint about the top vote getter, LeBron James. He was a defensive force this year for the Heat and deserved to be on top of the list. It also was good to see Tony Allen make the first team, that is well deserved.
But then it gets interesting. Serge Ibaka is a fantastic shot blocker but when it comes to man defending or defending in space he has work to do. Dwight Howard made the first team over Defensive Player of the Year Tyson Chandler. Chris Paul makes it and Dwyane Wade doesn’t? Really? And Kobe Bryant does not deserve to be on these teams anymore — he brings the defensive intensity sporadically now. It’s another reputation vote.
As for the really funny stuff, go down to “others receiving votes” list, where you can see Carlos Boozer got as many votes as Luc Richard Mbah a Moute. Or that Russell Westbrook got more votes than Thabo Sefolosha.
I’d say these are voted on by the coaches, but we all know this is really voted on by whoever the coach hands the ballot to. Could be anyone.
NBA All-Defensive First Team (points in parenthesis):
Forward: LeBron James, Miami (53)
Forward: Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City (47)
Center: Dwight Howard, Orlando (41)
Guard: Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers 35
Guard: Tony Allen, Memphis (33)
NBA All-Defensive Second Team (points in parenthesis):
Forward: Kevin Garnett, Boston (26)
Forward: Luol Deng, Chicago (20)
Center: Tyson Chandler, New York (36)
Guard: Rajon Rondo, Boston (29)
Guard: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers (17)
Other players receiving votes, with point totals (First Team votes in parentheses): Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia, 19 (4); Joakim Noah, Chicago, 14; Iman Shumpert, New York, 13 (4); Paul George, Indiana, 10 (2); Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City, 9 (2); Josh Smith, Atlanta, 8 (2); Dwyane Wade, Miami, 5 (1); Thabo Sefolosha, Oklahoma City, 5 (1); Grant Hill, Phoenix, 5 (1); Tim Duncan, San Antonio, 5 (1); Avery Bradley, Boston, 3 (1); Marc Gasol, Memphis, 3 (1); Metta World Peace, L.A. Lakers, 3; Shawn Marion, Dallas, 3; Joe Johnson, Atlanta, 2, (1); Mike Conley, Memphis, 2; Derrick Rose, Chicago, 1; Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia, 1; Carlos Boozer, Chicago, 1; Luc Mbah a Moute, Milwaukee, 1.