With the NBA regular season over, one of the most anticipated awards is going to be announced soon – the title of Most Valuable Player. Fans are already up in arms, however, about this year?s Defensive Player of the Year winner, many believing that LeBron James? teammate was robbed of what he earned.?
The 2022-23 DPoY award went to Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. Though he emerged rightful from among several potential winners, fans brought up a Lakers star who wasn’t even in the race this year. Reactions turned ugly on Twitter as users seemed to discredit the award itself.
‘Fraudulent’ Grizzlies star claim induces a fierce debate on Twitter
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Memphis Grizzlies forward and center Jaren Jackson Jr. is the recipient of the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy as the 2022-23 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year. A close second was Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the league in terms of blocks this year with an average of 3.0 BPG and 1.0 SPG to back up his merit. Apart from steals and blocks counts, Jackson Jr. has definitely been an intimidating presence in the paint throughout the season.
Memphis Grizzlies forward-center Jaren Jackson Jr. is the recipient of the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy as the 2022-23 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Full voting results and award history ⬇️https://t.co/2ScxHNxRb1 pic.twitter.com/k3RSuLd9D5
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 17, 2023
However, rumors brewing in the NBA community alleged that the Memphis Grizzlies scorekeeper favored Jackson Jr. A post by a Reddit user claimed that ?fraudulent? numbers were being posted to give Jackson Jr. an advantage in the race for the DPoY title.
After an investigation, senior NBA writer Kevin O?Connor of the Ringer put the dispute to rest, verifying Jackson Jr’s credibility.
Yet, fans are still not happy with Jackson being named as the DPoY. Many claimed that Los Angeles Lakers star and LeBron James? teammate Anthony Davis was robbed of the award that he deserves. Davis has been playing well lately but due to constant injuries through most of the season, he never really stayed on the floor for too long.
Fans claim Anthony Davis got robbed
NBA Twitter speculated that the Lakers? forward Davis will be seeking revenge now that his LA side are playing the Grizzlies in the playoffs.
A fan tweeted, ?AD should have won 3 by now proved it last night”.
AD should have won 3 by now proved it last night
— Big Blue Machine (@bleedblue322) April 17, 2023
Another claimed, ?Can?t wait for AD to drop 30 on him to show how bias that award was?.
Can’t wait for AD to drop 30 on him to show how bias that award was
— E.P. the Dreamer (@EPtheDreamer) April 17, 2023
Here are a few more reactions from fans on Twitter.
AD snubbed
— The CaruShow 🐐 (@BaldMambaSZN) April 17, 2023
AD: pic.twitter.com/6rrCOdAQWr
— KINGDOM (@Kingdom_Soldier) April 17, 2023
That DPOY should be all the motivation Anthony Davis needs.
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) April 18, 2023
The fouling machine got DPOY before AD smh. This award is really a joke now https://t.co/mqp5QU3lF0
— Kere 🌸 (@dulcisnaya) April 17, 2023
Fun fact: AD played 100 more minutes that Jaren “foul trouble” Jackson Jr but narratives gonna narrate https://t.co/s35IXlHXtk
— Lakers Supply 🇺🇦🌻 (@LakersSupply) April 17, 2023
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My DPOY 🥱🥱🥱 https://t.co/skPWxcaQJV pic.twitter.com/fu7IL4weYA
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) April 17, 2023
Let?s see if this year’s choice of the DPoY inspires Anthony Davis and the Lakers to prove themselves to the Grizzlies as the playoffs progress.
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What are your thoughts on Jaren Jackson Jr. being named the Defensive Player of the Year for the 2022-23 NBA season? Do you agree with fans targeting the credibility of the award? Share your thoughts in the comments below!