Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels Selected to NBA All-Defensive Team

Gobert received 99 first place votes and was selected to the All-Defensive First Team, while McDaniels received six first place votes and 54 second place votes to earn All-Defensive Second Team honors.

The NBA on Tuesday afternoon announced that Minnesota Timberwolves stars Rudy Gobert (First Team) and Jaden McDaniels (Second Team) both received NBA All-Defensive Team honors.

This is the seventh All-Defensive Team selection in eight seasons for Rudy Gobert whose claim to the title of “one of the best defenders of all-time” gets stronger with yet another accolade. This is Jaden McDaniels’ first All-Defensive Team selection in his young NBA career after he was snubbed last season.

Both players were key in helping Minnesota have the top-rated defense in the NBA this season that posted a 108.4 defensive rating, 2.2 points better than the second-ranked Boston Celtics.

Gobert was the only unanimous selection this year and was a shoo-in for the honor after winning his fourth Defensive Player of the Year trophy for his 2023-24 campaign, tying Hall of Famers Ben Wallace and Dikembe Mutombo for the most in NBA history and becoming the first Wolf to win the award. Big Ru takes pride in his defensive abilities and has captained a Timberwolves team whose calling card has been elite defense all season long. Gobert says that his job is to be “The best defensive player on the planet every time I step on the court,” and he continually proves it.

After a tumultuous season during the 2022-23 campaign that saw his streak of six straight All-Defensive Team selections come to an end, he (and the Wolves) have reached a level few thought was possible before the season started. The bounce back that Gobert has worked tireless to create this season cannot be overstated along with his willingness to acclimate to a new system here in Minnesota. After spending nine years in Utah, moving his entire life to Minnesota was a shock, and injuries derailed his first season with the Wolves. But, with the help of his teammates embracing him, he has been a massive reason this team produced the second-best season in franchise history.

“I’ve found a team, a coaching staff, an organization and a city that has embraced me, and a group that has embraced me,” Gobert said after winning his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. “I feel like it’s like a family. We are there for each other. We really care about one another.”

Jaden McDaniels received the ninth-most votes and grabs his first All-Defensive Team honor for his efforts during the 23-24 season. McDaniels days of being Minnesota’s well-kept secret are long behind him as his defense against Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns and Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and the Denver Nuggets have caught the attention of all the national media members. His lanky arms, screen navigation, rim protection and endless pursuit give offensive powerhouses nightmares especially in a playoff setting, where he is allowed to be more physical. If you have been watching Minnesota closely, however, you know that this is an every night occasion.

Seatbelt has locked up countless big-name players and does so without showing any emotion. He is a fierce competitor who doesn’t back down from anybody and frustrates players to the point that they may even throw items on the court.

There is no lack of confidence with the 23-year-old, either.

“I think I’m the best defender in the NBA besides Rudy (Gobert),” McDaniels said in a recent interview with ESPN.

With both players being selected, this is the first time in Timberwolves history they have had two All-Defensive selections in the same year. Gobert and McDaniels have become the third and fourth players in team history to achieve this honor (Kevin Garnett 2000-2005 and Jimmy Butler in 2018). This has been a season of recognition for the Timberwolves, as they have received more individual honors and awards more than any other team in the entire NBA. After the season they have had, they deserve all of the credit.

As a Western Conference Finals against Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving approaches, Jaden and Rudy will have to continue their defensive dominance if the Wolves want to advance and compete for a championship.