Top 30 Best Defenders in NBA History

17. Nate Thurmond

Nate Thurmond recorded the first quadruple-double in the history of the NBA, in a game in which he blocked 12 shots against the Atlanta Hawks. Thurmond’s quadruple-double was one of only four in the history of the NBA, as recording double digit blocks or steals in a game is an extremely difficult feat. Thurmond was a five-time All-Defensive team player and averaged 2.1 blocks per game in his career.