It's a computer ranking system that basketball reference used, it is based on a computer model like they used in chess ranking.
Jabbar was all defensive team 11 years, behind Duncan with 13, Bryant and Garnett with 12. The coaches vote the all defensive team.
Jabbar's presence altered teams because of his shot blocking, third all time, third all time rebounds, and his size.
My reasoning isn't based upon the ranking system. I allude to it, to show you that it is in line with other empirical analysis.
And Jabbar won defensive player of the year awards when he was one of only a few seven footers in the league. If you goto tape of him in his early 30's; just slightly past his prime; I can't say he's anything but an average defender. He's nowhere near the defender KG, Olajuwon, Robinson, (In shape) Shaq and Duncan were.
I shouldn't forget about Bill Walton__ Before his injuries, a lot of people think he was the greatest defensive center of all-time.
But I guess you'll just write that up to my Celtics bias__ How convenient.
Seriously though, go on yt and watch his 77 Finals performance. If you want to see probably the best defensive performance I've ever seen in a Finals.
Alcindor's UCLA freshman team would have beaten the NCAA champ Texas Western Miners - probably easily.
The stuff about his defense in Airplane!!! good natured ribbing.
Had sharp elbows.