NBA: Green, Gobert, Leonard pace All-Defensive squad

From left, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard and French center Rudy Gobert of Utah were among five players named Monday to the NBA All-Defensive Team. AFP

NEW YORK, United States — Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard and French center Rudy Gobert of Utah were among five players named Monday to the NBA All-Defensive Team.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul and Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley were also selected to the honor squad by a 100-member global media panel.

Green, who helped the Warriors take their second NBA crown in three seasons, was a near unanimous pick with 99 first-team votes. Gobert was named on 97 first-team ballots and Leonard on 93. Paul collected 61 first-team votes and Beverley 38.

Paul was named to the team for the sixth consecutive season and seventh time overall while Beverley made it for the first time.

Green led the NBA with 2.03 steals a game and became the first player in Warriors history with at least 150 steals and 100 blocked shots in the same season.

Green and Leonard made the NBA All-Defensive first team for the third consecutive season while Gobert was namd for the first time after leading the NBA with 2.64 blocked shots a game.

The NBA All-Defensive Second Team consisted of four Americans — Memphis guard Tony Allen, San Antonio guard Danny Green, New Orleans center Anthony Davis and Oklahoma City forward Andre Roberson — plus Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee. CBB