NBA Defensive Player of the Year: Ranking the Top 3 Prospects

Over the last ten years, Kawhi Leonard and Draymond Green are the only non-centers to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Kawhi averaged a league-high 2.3 steals, and Draymond averaged a league-high 2 steals when they won DPOY. But more than the numbers, their presence across the floor and their ability to read the opposition plays are what makes them valuable.

When it comes to defense, steals, rebounds, and blocks are the easily quantifiable stats. But the actual effort on the floor can only be witnessed in person. Because of this, defensive-oriented players often do not get the credit they deserve.

This season, there have been many players in the NBA who have shone defensively like Bam Adebayo, Ben Simmons, and Anthony Davis, to name a few. Here are our top three picks for the Defensive Player of the Year for the 2019/20 season.

#1: Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF, Milwaukee Bucks)

The Greek Freak’s rise to the top has been phenomenal. Every season, Giannis Antetokounmpo has not only improved offensively, but defensively too. He’s on course to be the first player since Hakeem Olajuwon to win NBA MVP and DPOY in the same season.

He leads the league in defensive win shares with 4.8 (estimate number of wins contributed by the player due to his defense). The defensive plus-minus standings also has his name at the top with 4.1. Finally, he also leads the league in defensive rating with 96.3 (estimate of points allowed per 100 possessions).

He has the stats to win it, and his domination on the court attests to it. He can chase down guards, out-muscle big men, and bully anyone in the league. Brook Lopez has always been an underwhelming rebounder, but Giannis’ work on the glass bails them out. He averages 13.7 rebounds per game, and has the most defensive rebounds in the league.

With a monstrous wingspan of 7-foot-3, he can suffocate shot attempts, swat away passes and block anyone on the court. Last year Antetokounmpo may have finished as a runner-up, but he looks certain to win the trophy this year.

#2 Anthony Davis (PF, Los Angeles Lakers)

Despite finishing thrice as the blocks leader in the NBA, the DPOY trophy still seems to elude Davis. The three-time All-Defensive player has been one of the best defenders in the league since he was drafted in 2012.

Anthony Davis is the league leader in ‘stocks’ (steals + blocks) at 3.9 per game. His blocking ability is well established but his 1.5 steals per game as a big man, is very impressive. With 4.1, he is just behind Antetokounmpo in defensive win shares. He is fourth in defensive rating with the Bucks trio of Giannis, Donte DiVincenzo, and Brook Lopez ahead of him. He recorded a 2.8 defensive plus-minus, which is a career-best, but it also places him as tied for third.

Like Giannis, AD’s ability to switch to onto quicker guards and still maintain his balance is incredible. His 7-foot-5.5 wingspan elevates his rim-protecting ability as well as getting clutch steals. His game-saving block against Harrison Barnes was one of the most impressive defensive highlights of the season.

Davis’ arrival at Los Angeles has solidified their defense. With Davis, Howard, and McGee, the Lakers have one of the best big man rotation in the league, if not the best. Giannis may have a slightly stronger case than him, but if anyone can beat the Greek Freak, it’s Anthony Davis.

#3 Rudy Gobert (C, Utah Jazz)

Frenchman Rudy Gobert is chasing Dwight Howard’s record of three consecutive DPOYs. After winning it last season, Gobert became only the 10th player to receive the award multiple times. With the loss of the experienced Derrick Favors in the offseason, Utah’s defensive responsibilities were solely left to him. Mike Conley’s arrival was supposed to boost their defense, but that failed.

His defensive IQ is supreme. Whenever a guard manages to dance past him, his recovery time is so good he gets his chase-down block. His arms are always ready to pounce and contest any shot. He is third in defensive win shares, just 0.1 behind Anthony Davis. His defensive rating and plus-minus don’t look the best for his DPOY CV, with him being 9th and 14th, respectively.

After averaging two blocks this season, Gobert now has six seasons of continuously putting up two blocks. This season, he put a career-high 13.7 rebound. He almost averages a steal as well when he intercepts crucial passes with his massive 7-foot-9 wingspan, which is the longest in the league.

Since he arrived in the league, Gobert has been one of the best defenders consistently. But his performance this year has not looked the same as the last two years. And with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis having solid seasons, Gobert might be dethroned.