Ask Doug Collins who the best perimeter defender is in the NBA and the answer comes quick.
Why its Andre Iguodala, of course.
Iguodalas reputation as a defender has come into prominence lately. In 2010 his defense earned him a spot on Team USA in the basketball World Championships in which he started games with Derrick Rose and Kevin Durant. In February Iguodalas defensive prowess earned him his first selection to the All-Star Game.
But when it came time for the voters to pick the NBAs All-Defense teams, Iguodala was conspicuously absent.
Iguodala received 19 points, including four first-team votes to narrowly miss selection on the first- and second-team lists. In fact, Iguodala received the most votes of anyone not on either of the teams and even earned more votes than second-team guard, Kobe Bryant.
Iguodala also finished seventh in the Defensive Player of the Year balloting in which he also finished fifth amongst forwards. Thats exactly where he fit in for the all-defense team voting, too.
Additionally, guard Jrue Holiday also received one point in the voting.
2011-12 NBA All-Defensive First TeamPositionPlayer (Team)1st2ndPointsForwardLeBron James (Heat)24553ForwardSerge Ibaka (Thunder)20747CenterDwight Howard (Magic)16941GuardChris Paul (Clippers)13935GuardTony Allen (Grizzlies)13733
2011-12 NBA All-Defensive Second TeamPositionPlayer (Team)1st2ndPointsForwardKevin Garnett (Celtics) 81026ForwardLuol Deng (Bulls)6820CenterTyson Chandler (Knicks) 131036GuardRajon Rondo (Celtics)91129GuardKobe Bryant (Lakers)7317
Other players receiving votes, with point totals (First-Team votes in parentheses): Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia, 19 (4); Joakim Noah, Chicago, 14; Iman Shumpert, New York, 13 (4); Paul George, Indiana, 10 (2); Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City, 9 (2); Josh Smith, Atlanta, 8 (2); Dwyane Wade, Miami, 5 (1); Thabo Sefolosha, Oklahoma City, 5 (1); Grant Hill, Phoenix, 5 (1); Tim Duncan, San Antonio, 5 (1); Avery Bradley, Boston, 3 (1); Marc Gasol, Memphis, 3 (1); Metta World Peace, L.A. Lakers, 3; Shawn Marion, Dallas, 3; Joe Johnson, Atlanta, 2, (1); Mike Conley, Memphis, 2; Derrick Rose, Chicago, 1; Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia, 1; Carlos Boozer, Chicago, 1; Luc Mbah a Moute, Milwaukee, 1.
E-mail John R. Finger at jfinger@comcastsportsnet.com.