During the NBA offseason, fans often turn to outspoken analysts for fresh takes, and Kendrick Perkins remains one of the most provocative voices in the conversation. Recently, Perkins released a new edition of his segment Perk’s Picks, where he revealed his list of the league’s five best defenders. His surprising placement of Amen Thompson ahead of widely regarded Victor Wembanyama sparked considerable debate.
Perkins, known for bold and sometimes divisive opinions, positioned the Houston Rockets’ young guard Thompson third on the list, just above the San Antonio Spurs star Wembanyama who landed at fourth. This unexpected ranking stirred strong reactions, especially given Wemby’s high profile and defensive potential.
Perkins’ Reasoning for Ranking Amen Thompson Above Victor Wembanyama
Explaining his choices, Perkins shared that he has not seen Wembanyama compete in over six months, highlighting the absence of recent performances that could validate Wemby’s defensive impact. He expressed skepticism about Wemby’s ability to defend under playoff pressure, a key factor in his decision to place the Spurs forward lower.
“I haven’t seen him play since February. I also haven’t seen him play when the lights are the brightest, meaning I need to see him when it matters the most,”
—Kendrick Perkins, Analyst
On the other hand, Perkins showcased strong confidence in Amen Thompson, praising his defensive skills and potential to rise among the NBA’s elite two-way players within a short timeframe.
“I believe he has the possibility to be the best two-way player in the game in the next two years. A defensive pest. One of two players to go out and get 85 steals and 85 blocks last year.”
—Kendrick Perkins, Analyst
Other Notable Defensive Rankings: Mobley and Caruso
Perkins did not stop there, placing Evan Mobley, the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, at number two. Many expected Mobley or Wembanyama to top the list, given their defensive reputations. However, Perkins chose to shake things up by naming Alex Caruso of the Oklahoma City Thunder as the best defender overall.
“What I saw was what he did in the postseason in a crucial Game 7 guarding Jokic. When you talk about a defensive specialist in a game that can go out there and cause havoc with four or five steals,”
—Kendrick Perkins, Analyst
Caruso’s postseason performances earned him praise as a reliable defensive weapon for OKC, especially his ability to disrupt star players in high-stakes games. Despite this, many find it difficult to accept Caruso above long-established defensive talents like Wembanyama and Mobley.
The Debate Over Defensive Excellence and What Lies Ahead
Perkins’ list challenges popular opinion by emphasizing playoff stage performance and recent visibility over reputation or raw potential. His placement of Amen Thompson ahead of Victor Wembanyama, along with naming Caruso as the top defender, reveals his distinct perspective on what defines defensive greatness in today’s NBA.
This ranking is likely to fuel ongoing discussions about the value of postseason experience and the evolving skillsets required for elite defense. While Amen Thompson’s defensive capabilities are undeniable, positioning him above Wembanyama reflects both Perkins’ willingness to make audacious predictions and the uncertainty surrounding players still early in their careers.