Should Chet Holmgren Be Considered a Top 5 Defender in the NBA?
Chet Holmgren has arguably been the best defender in the playoffs during both his rookie and sophomore years. Through 23 playoff games, he’s held opponents to 13.1% worse shooting within 6 feet compared to their averages, posting a DFG% of just 52.3%. Last playoffs, it was even more impressive at 15.2%.
He’s also rocking a +11.4 on/off combined in his first two playoff runs, with elite defensive metrics throughout. In both the 2024 and 2025 playoffs, Chet ranked #1 overall in defensive EPM.
Since 2002, only 14 playoff runs have hit a +3.5 defensive EPM—names like Ben Wallace, Draymond Green, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, and Giannis are on that list. Now, Chet joins that group.
His defensive metrics, both in the regular season and playoffs, already look better than some of the best defenders in recent years.
Is it fair to consider Chet a top 5 defender in the league right now?
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