Defense wins championships in NBA 2K26, and MyTeam is no exception. While flashy offensive stats often grab the spotlight, elite defensive cards can completely change the outcome of a game. In this guide, we’ll break down the top 10 defensive cards in NBA 2K26 MyTeam, based purely on their defensive prowess, athleticism, and impact on the court. Whether you grind the mode or choose to buy NBA 2K26 MT to accelerate team building, these selections focus on who can lock down opponents, play multiple positions, and create turnovers-regardless of their offensive stats.

10. LaMelo Ball – Point Guard
Kicking off the list is LaMelo Ball, the only point guard included here. Standing at 6'7" with a 6’10” wingspan, LaMelo combines size, agility, and defensive instincts rarely seen at his position. He has 94 perimeter defense, 94 steal, and 80 block ratings. What makes him exceptional is his versatility-his 99 pass interception tendency allows him to anticipate passes and disrupt offenses. For point guards, he provides arguably the best on-ball defense in the game, making him a must-have for perimeter defense.

9. Tim Duncan – Power Forward/Center
Tim Duncan is a defensive powerhouse despite not being the largest big man. With elite speed, agility, vertical, and Hall of Fame defensive badges, he can anchor the paint and provide strong help defense. While his build slightly limits certain animations, his defensive awareness and all-around stats make him a top-tier interior and perimeter defender.

8. Scottie Pippen – Small Forward
Scottie Pippen boasts perfect defensive ratings with 99 perimeter defense, 99 steal, and excellent agility. His strength and vertical ability make him a versatile wing defender. While his tendencies aren’t perfect, he can contest shots, steal passes, and defend multiple positions effectively. Pippen remains a reliable defensive wing choice, especially in matchups requiring quick rotations.

7. Bruce Bowen – Small Forward
Bruce Bowen’s defensive impact might surprise some players. At 6’7” with a 6’11” wingspan, Bowen excels at intercepting passes and guarding every lane. His 97 perimeter, 96 steal, and 95 strength ratings allow him to dominate on-ball defense and make opposing offenses hesitate to pass into his area. Bowen’s defensive IQ and ability to shut down wings make him an elite choice in MyTeam.

6. Shaquille O’Neal – Center
The Galaxy Opal Shaq from MyTeam Festival is an absolute defensive monster. At 7’1” with a 77-inch wingspan, he combines size, strength, and speed for unmatched paint protection. With 99 strength, 94 speed, and high block ratings, Shaq is nearly unstoppable inside. While not a perimeter defender, he provides elite rim protection and is a major deterrent for opponents driving to the basket.

5. Kawhi Leonard – Small Forward
Kawhi Leonard’s combination of length, athleticism, and defensive badges makes him one of the most versatile wings. With 97–99 ratings across key defensive stats and Hall of Fame badges, he can guard multiple positions, play lanes, and create turnovers. Kawhi’s animations and wingspan give him an edge over many defensive wings, making him a top-five defender in the game.

4. LeBron James – Small Forward/Power Forward
LeBron James is more than an offensive threat-his 98 speed and agility, 95 strength, and elite defensive badges allow him to guard almost any position. His massive build enables him to switch onto bigger players effectively, while tendencies like 99 interception and 90 contest enhance his defensive versatility. LeBron is a reliable anchor on both the perimeter and interior.

3. Andre Kirilenko – Small Forward
Andre Kirilenko excels in perimeter defense and chase-down blocks. Despite modest block tendencies, his size and animations allow him to contest shots effectively, often outperforming taller or more athletic players. Kirilenko is a menace defensively, disrupting passing lanes and guarding multiple positions.

2. Victor Wanyama – Center
Victor Wanyama’s unique combination of size (7’4”), athleticism, and interior defensive stats make him a nearly impossible scoring target inside. With 97 interior and 99 block ratings, Wanyama dominates the paint while still being able to contest open perimeter shots. His defensive presence extends across the floor, making him an elite defensive card.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Small Forward
Topping the list is Giannis Antetokounmpo, a 6’11” small forward with a 7’4” wingspan. Giannis is a defensive juggernaut who can guard every position effectively. With elite ratings in all critical defensive stats and Hall of Fame badges, he is capable of switching, contesting, and intercepting passes at an unmatched level. His combination of size, athleticism, and versatility makes him the best defensive card in MyTeam, dominating both the perimeter and paint.

Conclusion
These ten cards redefine what it means to play defense in NBA 2K26 MyTeam. While offensive abilities often steal the spotlight, these defenders control the pace of the game, force turnovers, and make every possession a challenge for opponents. When paired with smart roster building and access to Cheap NBA 2K26 MT, understanding each player’s strengths, animations, and tendencies can elevate your defensive strategy and transform your MyTeam squad into a near-unbreakable unit.