NBA Predictions: Who Will Be League Defensive Player of the Year?

Draymond Green

The Golden State Warriors may have a strong offense, but they are anchored by a few great defensive players that are trying to make their case with one of the best teams in the league. Namely, their emotional leader, Draymond Green. Here is what the staff had to say.

“My mind says Leonard, but my heart says Draymond. I think this is the year that Draymond finally gets his due credit. With Durant coming on board, the death lineup should be rolled out more frequently as Zaza just won’t cut it at times. With Durant’s skinny frame, it will be Green that will go up against some of the best bigs in the game. Assuming the Warriors win 65+ again this year, Green’s defense will play a huge part in that.”

– Isaac Harris

“While a three-peat for Kawhi Leonard is not unlikely, I think Draymond Green might get the nod. In light of the Warriors offensive firepower, Green will be able to focus on defense much more in the upcoming season and will anchor the defense of the league’s best team.”

– Marvin J. Hanke

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“This was a tough one but I believe Draymond Green will win the Defensive Player of the Year. On the new “Golden Gate Gods” squad, Green wont have to worry about scoring with Durant, Curry, and Thompson each night. Instead, Green will be able to focus solely on the oppositions best player each night which will lead to opportunities for his defense to shine throughout the season.”

– Ricky Castro

“When I look at all the possible candidates for the Defensive Player of the Year, the only one that pops off the page for me is Warriors forward Draymond Green. On a team that will certainly light up the scoreboard, I expect Green to take a backseat offensively, but make up for it on defense and on the glass.

Last season, Green grew into a role as one of the team’s primary ball-handlers, but I expect the newly acquired Kevin Durant to inherit that role from Green. With Curry, Thompson and Durant as the focal point of the offense, Green will have to find other ways to contribute to the team and I think he’ll do so by playing high-energy defense and do all the garbage work.”

– Eron Ramadanov

Next: Kawhi Leonard