Or both a hug and a sacrifice.

The Pistons, from around 2003-07, but especially in their 2004 championship year, were one of the best defensive teams ever.

Antonio McDyess post-injury was really good. Antonio McDyess pre-injury was amazing.

No defense? The 2004 era Pistons?

I remember being a fan of the Bad Boys era Detroit Pistons, and it was actually kind of fun to have my team viewed as basically pro-wrestling -heel level villains by some parts of the country, cough, Boston, cough, Chicago.

Because the don’t really want to do what they are paid to do.

For example, James Edwards (#8 on the list). I remember him from the back-to-back Detroit “Bad Boys” Pistons teams (yes, I’m old), and he was an extremely useful piece on one of the best defensive teams of all time. His role was not to be a defensive stopper, his role was to be a solid post presence on the offensive…

Not quibbling with your selection, but on a sports-related blog, no mention (thus far) of "Any Given Sunday"?