The best 3 and D players in the NBA are essential to building winning teams and making smart NBA picks. These athletes specialize in two key areas: hitting three-pointers and playing elite perimeter defense. While not always stars, they deliver impact in every game.
In today’s fast-paced league, spacing and defense win games. That’s why coaches rely heavily on dependable 3 and D talent. These players stretch the floor and guard the opponent’s best scorers. Their presence helps stars operate more freely on offense.
Moreover, NBA picks often favor teams with strong two-way contributors. A good 3 and D player can shift the momentum of any game. That’s why they appear frequently in playoff rotations and late-game situations.
This list highlights the ten best 3 and D players in the NBA today. Some are rising stars, others proven veterans. Let’s explore the names redefining two-way excellence across the league.
Mikal Bridges: NBA’s Modern-Day Iron Man
Mikal Bridges ranks 10th on the list of the best 3 and D NBA players for good reason. He consistently delivers elite perimeter defense and reliable three-point shooting. His long wingspan, quick feet, and high IQ allow him to guard multiple positions effectively.
Bridges rarely gambles on defense, instead using discipline to force tough shots. Offensively, he moves well without the ball and knocks down open threes. Over time, he has improved his shooting off the dribble as well, especially for the New York Knicks.
Importantly, Bridges is known as the NBA’s modern iron man. He has never missed a game since entering the league. That durability makes him incredibly valuable to any team looking for consistency and reliability.
In both Phoenix and Brooklyn, he has shown growth on offense without sacrificing defensive intensity. He thrives in switch-heavy systems and often takes on the toughest defensive assignments. Moreover, his presence spaces the floor and creates room for stars to operate.
While he hasn’t won a title yet, his steady performance in big games adds to his credibility. Therefore, Bridges earns a well-deserved spot among the best 3 and D NBA players. He brings toughness, efficiency, and unmatched availability every single night.
Nicolas Batum: A Match-Up Nightmare
Nicolas Batum ranks 9th on the list of the best 3 and D NBA players due to his versatility and intelligence. Throughout his career, Batum has guarded the NBA’s best small forwards and shooting guards with discipline and length. His 6’8″ frame and quick hands make him a nightmare for scorers on the wing.
Batum rarely makes defensive mistakes. He positions himself well, contests shots effectively, and rotates with precision. Offensively, he spaces the floor with a smooth shooting stroke. He has consistently hit open threes, especially in late-game moments.
Over the years, Batum has remained a dependable role player on both ends of the court. He understands team defense and communicates well with teammates. While not flashy, he delivers winning plays and adjusts to any system. This equates to stats that are essential for NBA player props.
Batum also brings international experience and leadership, especially during clutch situations. His basketball IQ allows him to anticipate plays and make timely decisions. Moreover, his unselfish style complements star players perfectly.
Despite aging, Batum continues to contribute meaningful minutes for playoff contenders. That longevity speaks to his elite 3 and D value. For these reasons, Nicolas Batum earns his place as one of the best 3 and D NBA players ever.
OG Anunoby: A Highly Dependable Two-Way Wing
OG Anunoby ranks 8th on the list of the best 3 and D NBA players because of his elite defense and strength. He defends multiple positions, often guarding the opponent’s best scorer from start to finish. His quick hands and strong frame make him tough to beat off the dribble.
Anunoby excels in isolation defense and closes out shooters with impressive speed. He uses his long arms to disrupt passing lanes effectively. Offensively, he knocks down corner threes and stretches the floor without needing many touches. That balance makes him the perfect 3 and D player.
He has steadily improved his shooting percentages over the years, becoming a consistent threat beyond the arc. His ability to hit open shots keeps defenses honest and helps stars operate with more space. He’s also comfortable cutting to the basket when defenders overcommit.
Importantly, Anunoby plays with intensity and focus every night. Coaches trust him to handle tough matchups and execute defensive schemes. He stays calm under pressure and rarely makes mental mistakes.
In Toronto and New York, he has made winning plays and anchored team defense. For his consistency, strength, and shooting, OG Anunoby rightfully earns a spot among the NBA’s best 3 and D players.
Danny Green: Dagger Threes and Hard-Nosed Defense
Danny Green ranks 7th on the list of the best 3 and D NBA players because of his championship pedigree and reliability. He played key roles on title-winning teams in San Antonio, Toronto, and Los Angeles. Each time, he delivered tough defense and timely shooting.
Green guards opposing guards and wings with discipline and effort. He uses excellent positioning and quick hands to contest shots effectively. While not the most athletic, he makes up for it with awareness and experience.
Offensively, Green spaces the floor and hits corner threes with consistency. His shooting forces defenses to stretch, creating more space for stars. In big games, he remains calm and confident, often hitting crucial three-point shots.
He rarely needs the ball, yet still makes a major impact. That makes him the ideal complementary player on any contending roster. Coaches trust him in high-pressure situations due to his focus and basketball IQ.
Green also communicates well on defense and helps organize rotations. His leadership and poise elevate every locker room he joins. Though his stats aren’t flashy, his impact is undeniable. For his championship success, shooting touch, and defensive grit, Danny Green earns his spot among the best 3 and D NBA players.
Trevor Ariza: A Prolific NBA Journeyman Teams Would Love to Have
Trevor Ariza ranks 6th on the list of the best 3 and D NBA players due to his longevity and impact. As a true NBA journeyman, Ariza brought consistent defense and reliable shooting to every team he joined. He guarded elite wings, using his length and instincts to disrupt offensive flow.
Ariza often matched up against the best scorers in playoff series. His quick feet and active hands made life difficult for opponents. On offense, he spaced the floor and thrived as a corner three-point shooter. He hit big shots during key moments, especially in the 2009 Lakers championship run.
His ability to guard multiple positions made him a key part of switch-heavy defensive schemes. Teams valued his veteran presence and calm demeanor under pressure. While not a high scorer, Ariza contributed in ways that don’t always appear in box scores.
As one of the best NBA journeymen, he adapted to different roles and systems with ease. Coaches trusted him to deliver effort and discipline every night. He rarely missed assignments and communicated well on defense.
For over 15 seasons, Ariza filled the 3 and D role better than most. His experience, versatility, and consistency earn him a rightful place among the best 3 and D NBA players.
Alex Caruso: A Great Combo Guard Who Offers Both Offense and Defense
Alex Caruso ranks 5th on the list of the best 3 and D NBA players because of his elite perimeter defense. He consistently guards top ball-handlers and disrupts offenses with anticipation, effort, and physicality. His quick hands and sharp instincts create turnovers and fast-break opportunities.
Caruso isn’t flashy, but his impact shifts momentum and changes NBA odds in tight matchups. Coaches trust him in crucial moments because he rarely makes defensive mistakes. He communicates well, rotates quickly, and forces tough shots from elite scorers.
Offensively, Caruso spaces the floor and knocks down open threes when needed. Though not a high-volume shooter, he delivers when it matters most. He moves without the ball and makes smart cuts that keep defenses honest.
Caruso plays with relentless energy and commitment every possession. His hustle sparks teammates and raises a team’s defensive intensity. He showed his value in the Lakers’ 2020 championship run and continues to shine in Oklahoma City.
Because of his toughness, defensive versatility, and underrated shooting, Caruso’s presence always boosts a team’s chances – and the NBA odds reflect that. For these reasons, Alex Caruso earns his place among the best 3 and D NBA players today.
Michael Cooper: The 3 and D Player of the 80s
Michael Cooper ranks 4th on the list of the best 3 and D NBA players for his game-changing defense and timely shooting. He anchored the perimeter for the Showtime Lakers and consistently guarded the opposing team’s top scorer. His quick feet, long arms, and relentless energy made him a nightmare for offensive stars.
Importantly, Cooper was one of the pioneers of the 3 and D role during the 1980s. While the three-point shot wasn’t as popular, he still hit outside shots at key moments. He used his shooting ability to stretch defenses and create space for Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Defensively, Cooper won the 1987 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. He made eight All-Defensive teams, proving his consistent impact. He excelled at reading passing lanes, switching across positions, and shutting down isolation plays.
Though not a primary scorer, Cooper always found ways to contribute offensively. He made smart cuts and hit corner threes under pressure. His basketball IQ and unselfishness fit perfectly into championship-level teams.
Because of his defensive dominance, clutch shooting, and trailblazing role, Michael Cooper deserves his high spot. He helped define what it means to be one of the best 3 and D NBA players.
Shane Battier: Intellectual Player Known for Studying Opponents’ Tendencies
Shane Battier ranks 3rd on the list of the best 3 and D NBA players because of his intelligence and consistency. He defended superstars like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James without backing down. Battier studied opponents and used scouting to gain an edge.
He rarely gambled on defense. Instead, he stayed disciplined, contested shots, and forced bad decisions. Coaches trusted him to guard the toughest wings. He rotated well, communicated constantly, and made teammates better on defense.
Offensively, Battier hit timely threes, especially from the corners. He didn’t need many touches to affect the game. His unselfish play helped stars thrive and kept the offense flowing.
Battier’s impact often went beyond the box score. He took charges, dove for loose balls, and always made the right play. His basketball IQ and work ethic made him invaluable on playoff teams.
He played a key role in the Miami Heat’s back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. In big moments, Battier stepped up with poise and clutch shooting.
Because of his elite defense, floor spacing, and leadership, Battier set the standard. He earned his spot among the best 3 and D NBA players and remains one of the most respected in that role.
Bruce Bowen: The Definition of 3 and D During the 90s and Early 2000s
Bruce Bowen ranks 2nd on the list of the best 3 and D NBA players because of his lockdown defense and clutch shooting. He consistently guarded the NBA’s top scorers during the 1990s and early 2000s. Bowen took pride in frustrating legends like Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter.
He played physical, smart defense without needing help. His footwork, positioning, and anticipation allowed him to shut down elite wings. Bowen made eight All-Defensive Teams, proving his value on that end of the floor.
Offensively, he spaced the court with deadly accuracy from the corners. Defenses had to respect his shot, especially in tight games. He didn’t need the ball, yet always contributed with smart cuts and perfect timing.
Bowen thrived in San Antonio’s system, winning three NBA titles alongside Tim Duncan and Manu Ginóbili. He embraced his role and never tried to do too much. His focus and discipline made him a coach’s dream.
Importantly, Bowen helped define the 3 and D role before it became a trend. His tough defense and reliable shooting changed games without headlines.
For his relentless perimeter defense and corner-three precision, Bruce Bowen rightly belongs among the best 3 and D NBA players in history.
Klay Thompson: Prime Klay is Atop the Best 3 and D Players in the NBA List
Klay Thompson ranks 1st on the list of the best 3 and D NBA players because of his unmatched two-way excellence. During his prime with Steph Curry, Thompson guarded elite guards and wings while serving as one of the best NBA shooters of all time.
He consistently took the toughest defensive assignments, using size, footwork, and effort to shut down perimeter scorers. Thompson rarely needed help on defense. He stayed locked in and played with elite discipline.
Offensively, Thompson spaced the floor perfectly and punished defenders who gave him an inch. He ranks among the best NBA shooters of all time. His quick release and shooting accuracy forced constant defensive attention.
He scored 60 points on just 11 dribbles and once dropped 37 points in a single quarter. Thompson didn’t need the ball much, yet he always impacted games. In Golden State’s dynasty, he provided balance.
While Curry broke defenses, Thompson locked them down. That two-way ability made him irreplaceable. Coaches trusted him in every clutch moment because he delivered on both ends. His defense never overshadowed his scoring, and vice versa.
For his elite shooting, strong defense, and consistency, Klay Thompson rightfully ranks as the greatest 3 and D NBA player ever.
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