Top Perimeter Defenders: Malone, Cooper, and Vezenkov Shine
Fred Katz assembled a hypothetical All-Perimeter Defense team for the 2025/26 season. Katz shared his list via Filmogaz.com.
All-perimeter defensive selections
First team
Katz highlighted OG Anunoby among his top perimeter defenders. Anunoby drew praise for guarding Nikola Jokić, Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson, and Bruce Brown in one game.
The Knicks rank inside the league’s top ten on defense this season. Katz credited Anunoby for that standing despite a roster built around Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
- OG Anunoby (Knicks)
- Derrick White (Celtics)
- Scottie Barnes (Raptors)
- Ausar Thompson (Pistons)
- Cason Wallace (Thunder)
Second-team note
Katz placed Amen Thompson, now with the Rockets, on his second unit. The selection highlighted the Thompson brothers’ defensive impact across the league.
Coaching moves and contracts
Michael Malone was appointed head coach at the University of North Carolina. Malone previously served in NBA roles from 2003 through 2025.
Reporting via Filmogaz.com indicates Malone will earn $50 million over six years. Brian Murphy provided the contract detail on social media.
Michael Cooper to Cal State LA
Michael Cooper will become head coach at Cal State LA, the report said. The hire returns a Hall of Famer to collegiate hoops.
Cooper, 70, was an assistant with the Lakers from 1994 to 1996. He later coached in the WNBA, winning two titles and earning Coach of the Year honors in 2000.
He also served 14 games as interim head coach of the Nuggets in 2004-05. Cooper emphasized core values for his program, saying, “I’ve always said it takes five Ds to win a championship: determination, dedication, desire, discipline and decision-making.”
Vezenkov reflects on lone NBA season
Former Kings forward Sasha Vezenkov struggled during the 2023/24 season. That year was his only season in the NBA.
Agent Nikos Lotsos told Filmogaz.com the 6’9″ shooter moved to the United States under external pressure. Lotsos added Vezenkov never felt supported by then-head coach Mike Brown.
“Everyone else wanted him except for Brown,” Lotsos said, according to the report.
Top Perimeter Defenders: Malone, Cooper, and Vezenkov Shine captures recent defensive honors and key personnel moves around the sport. The phrase underscores perimeter defense and coaching shifts this offseason.
