Who makes 1st or 2nd team ALL NBA defense teams ? Luol ? 2nd team ? Kirk was our best defender under the Skiles era who I think ended up with a 2nd team nod - and you'd expect the same now under Thibs ( for Luol ) if we end up as the top rated defense in the league. I don't think Ronnie plays enough minutes but for me he should be up there for consideration even though James, Wade and Bryant are going to be there in the wing spots.
Great question. The Bulls don't have great full-time on the ball defenders. It's a team system. Deng does draw the tough assignments every game, so he's the best shot, as you say. Noah has missed too many games.
If the voters consider that the Bulls defense is great with Boozer and Korver playing significant minutes, Deng, Noah and Rose should all make it.
If the Bulls finish the season strong, I actually think Noah has a better shot at making it than Deng. The injury will be far enough behind that it shouldn't prevent him from beating out Andrew Bogut for second team, (who's also missed games).
