As we head into the 2026 All-Star Weekend, the league’s best rim protectors have quietly shaped the season just as much as its top scorers. These ten players aren’t just piling up blocks — they’re dictating how offenses attack, forcing hesitation in the paint, and flipping momentum with a single swat. In a season defined by pace and spacing, elite shot blocking has become even more valuable, and this group has turned rim protection into a nightly highlight reel.
1. Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama
Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) shoots against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
— 2.7 blocks per game
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Wembanyama continues to redefine rim protection with his absurd length and timing. He doesn’t just block shots — he erases entire possessions and forces opponents to rethink driving into the paint. His ability to recover, contest jumpers, and protect the rim without fouling makes him a one-man defensive system. At 2.7 per game, he’s clearly setting the standard.
2. Alex Sarr
2. Alex Sarr
Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr (20) looks up during a free throw against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Capital One Arena. Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
— 2.0 blocks per game
Sarr has quickly established himself as an elite interior deterrent. His mobility allows him to contest guards on switches while still anchoring the paint. He blocks shots both on-ball and as a weakside helper, showing advanced defensive instincts. For a young big, his timing is already impressive.
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3. Chet Holmgren
Chet Holmgren
Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) shoots the ball over Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
— 2.0 blocks per game
Holmgren’s rim protection comes from anticipation as much as length. He reads plays early and rotates quickly to meet attackers at the summit. His ability to block shots without sacrificing spacing on offense makes him uniquely valuable. He’s become a backbone of Oklahoma City’s defensive identity.
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4. Evan Mobley
4. Evan Mobley
Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) dunks in the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Rocket Arena. Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
— 2.0 blocks per game
Mobley’s defensive versatility is what separates him. He can switch onto wings, recover to the paint, and still challenge shots at the rim. His blocks often come in key moments, swinging momentum. Cleveland relies on his instincts and discipline to anchor their defense.
5. Jay Huff
5. Jay Huff
Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) warms up before a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
— 1.9 blocks per game
Huff has made the most of his opportunities by protecting the rim at a high level. He uses his length well and stays vertical to avoid cheap fouls. Even in limited minutes compared to some others on this list, he’s been extremely efficient as a shot blocker. His presence alone alters driving lanes.
6. Isaiah Stewart
Isaiah Stewart
Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) passes on New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson (00) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
— 1.7 blocks per game
Stewart brings physicality to his rim protection. He’s not just swatting shots — he’s battling in the paint and contesting everything around the basket. His improved timing has elevated his defensive impact this season. He combines toughness with growing defensive awareness.
7. Myles Turner
7. Myles Turner
Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) saves the ball from going out of bounds during overtime against the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum. Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
— 1.7 blocks per game
Turner remains one of the league’s most consistent shot blockers year after year. His ability to stay disciplined in drop coverage makes him a reliable backline defender. He’s excellent at meeting drivers with vertical contests rather than reckless swipes. Even when he doesn’t block the shot, he forces difficult finishes.
8. Rudy Gobert
8. Rudy Gobert
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks as Memphis Grizzlies center Jock Landale (31) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
— 1.6 blocks per game
Gobert’s block numbers don’t fully capture his defensive dominance. His positioning and sheer presence discourage attempts before they even happen. He protects the rim through angles and anticipation rather than chasing highlights. Opponents still think twice when attacking the paint against him.
9. Scottie Barnes
9. Scottie Barnes
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) dribbles downcourt against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
— 1.6 blocks per game
Barnes stands out as a wing-sized player contributing strong block numbers. His versatility allows him to rotate from the perimeter and contest at the rim effectively. He’s especially dangerous as a help defender, coming from unexpected angles. His length and energy fuel Toronto’s defensive schemes.
10. Ryan Kalkbrenner
Ryan Kalkbrenner
Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) grabs a rebound against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
— 1.5 blocks per game
Kalkbrenner rounds out the top 10 with steady interior defense. He uses his size efficiently and stays disciplined in the paint. While not as flashy as some others, he consistently challenges shots around the basket. His rim protection gives Charlotte valuable defensive stability.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr (20) defends a shot from Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
What makes this top 10 especially compelling is the blend of rising young stars and established defensive anchors holding their ground. Whether it’s generational length, elite anticipation, or veteran positioning, each player brings a distinct style to protecting the rim. As the playoff push looms after All-Star Weekend, expect these shot blockers to remain at the center of their teams’ defensive identities — because in today’s NBA, controlling the paint still wins games.
* as of February 10, 2026
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