Kobe is All-Defensive for fifth straight year Kobe Bryant’s made the NBA’s All-Defensive first team for the fifth consecutive year. Again, for the fifth consecutive year, I don’t think anyone is really surprised. Associated Press: Kobe Bryant is on the NBA all-defensive first team for the fifth straight year.
Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo made the first team for the first time, earning the second-most points behind the league’s defensive player of the year, Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard.
Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace also made the team for the first time, with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James making it for the second straight year.
Many give credit to Kobe’s reputation as a great defensive player, rather than his actual defensive play, for his recent multiple honors. Although voting was closed towards the end of the first round during his years Playoffs — Kobe gave great reason to silence the critics when he took on the role of guarding Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook.
This is Kobe’s tenth time making an All-Defensive team. Congratulations, Mamba!