Not tall enough, they all rely on hard work. These five defenders play harder than power forwards.

Guards are usually known for their speed, skills, and shooting, but there is always a type of people who do not rely on dodging, or making fancy things, but rely on physical confrontation, shouldering their opponents, and killing them inwards. They may not have top talent, but they dare to collide with big men and rush to the forefront at the critical moment. These five are the most "hard" guards in NBA history. They don't rely on show, top, slip, or confrontation.

Fifth place: Marcus Smart

Career data: 10.6 points / 4.6 assists / 1.6 steals / 38.6% from the shooting percentage: 1 DPOY / Best defensive team selected multiple times / Leading the team to the finals in 2022

Smart is not a traditional shooting guard, his existence is the defensive intensity and confrontation template. He can defend Curry, chase James, and carry big guys. He never dodges when playing basketball, often rushes to the ground, holds covers, and grabs rebounds. He has been famous for his blood in the Celtics for many years and is a typical representative of "not letting go even if he fights his teeth." Defence does not rely on guessing, but on hard work.

4th place: Derek Fisher

Career data: 8.3 points / 40.3% shooting percentage / Multiple key playoff performances

Honors: 5 championships / top playoff appearances / 0.4 seconds of winning creator

Fisher did not rely on data to make a living, he relied on his temperament of "I will fight things". He has stood up countless times in his career to shoot key balls, not afraid of confrontation or conflict. At his peak, he was not at a loss against Kidd, Parker, and Nash. In the 2009 finals, he continued to win the magic with overtime three-pointers; in the 2004 Western Conference semi-finals, he defeated the Spurs in 0.4 seconds. He is not a superstar, but the toughest character guard.

3rd place: Gary Payton

Career data: 16.3 points / 6.7 assists / 1.8 steals / 46.6% from the field

Honors: 1 DPOY / 9 best defensive team / Hall of Famer

"Gloves" are the hardest defensive representatives in point guard history. He doesn't rely on stealing the ball, but fights closely, crushing the point guard to death like a back line. He can resist Jordan, and his peak period is the nightmare of every point guard. He does not rely on his fast movements, but on his strong pressure. His trash talk, the intensity of confrontation, and the low-level attacking force are all real manifestations of the tough character.

Second place: Chauncey Billups

Career data: 15.2 points / 5.4 assists / 41.5% from the shooting percentage

Honors: 1 time FMVP / Pistons Champion Core / nicknamed "Mr. Big Shot"

Billups's style of play is stable + hard. He is not the fastest defender, but he is least afraid of hitting him. He is good at controlling the ball from behind, breaking through rhythm, and creating fouls with force. He led the Pistons to the F4 Lakers in the 2004 Finals, averaging 21+5+ shooting percentage of 50%. That Piston crushed the opponent with his defensive strength of Hamilton and Ben Wallace. He is the "tactical flesh shield" in the defender.

No. 1: Dwayne Wade

Career data: 22.0 points / 5.4 assists / 48.0% from the shooting percentage

Honors: 3 championships / 1 FMVP / The guard in the history of the career blocks

Wade is not only a scorer, but also a physical assaulter. He rushed to the basket countless times and completed the ending with two people. His playing style was fierce and he could fall and injured at any time when he landed. He did not rely on hiding, but directly killed against the defense. He is one of the few guards who can complete tactical attacks on the hats. In the 2006 Finals, he averaged 34.7 points per game by relying on physical hard rush + fouls. He did not kill you by throwing him from the outside, but by his body and willpower.