Even though the Boston Celtics may be trailing the Miami Heat 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, two of their players got a bit of good news this week.
Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo and power forward Kevin Garnett earned esteemed honor as they were named to the NBA 2010-11 All-Defense First Team by the league's coaches. This marks Rondo's first time making it and Garnett's ninth. Garnett ties an NBA record set by Michael Jordan and Gary Payton with nine appearances on the roster.
Rondo received the second-highest vote total with 39 points, including 16 first place votes. Rondo only trailed 2011 Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard in total votes. Garnett gathered up a total of 33 votes, and 15 first place votes.
The complete 2010-11 NBA All-Defensive First Team:
- C. Dwight Howard--Orlando Magic
- F. Kevin Garnett--Boston Celtics
- F. LeBron James--Miami Heat
- G. Kobe Bryant--Los Angeles Lakers
- G. Rajon Rondo--Boston Celtics
With the Celtics having two representatives on the First Team, Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers offered some insight on the importance of defense on a team (via Masslive)
"It means that we have guys that play defense and buy into it," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "What I like about both those guys is that they are team defenders first, then they become individuals. There’s no great defenders without a team behind them, especially Kevin, and he’s the best in my opinion."
Some of the notable names making the second team were Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets, Andre Iguodala of the Philadelphia 76ers, and former Celtic and current Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen.