SI PLAYERS POLL

[Based on a survey of 227 NBA players]

For complete results and breakdown of the poll go to SI.com/scorecard.

Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?

Ron Artest 34%
Pacers forward

Ben Wallace 18%
Pistons center

Bruce Bowen 15%
Spurs forward

Kevin Garnett 8%
Timberwolves forward

FAST FACTS: Artest, last year's NBA Defensive Player of the Year, was suspended for the season after assaulting fans in the stands in Detroit on Nov. 19. Wallace won the award in 2002 and 2003.... 41% of shooting guards and small forwards picked Artest; 26% of centers chose Wallace.... Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko was fifth (7%).

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STEVE C. MITCHELL/EPA (ARTEST)

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