NBA Award Predictions Roundtable: Defensive Player of the Year

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October 25, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 129-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

It is easy to see that there are three favorites in the NBA Defensive Player of the Year category. It really just depends on what is most important to you. Our staff has taken the time to make their picks.

The NBA has some really great defenders across the league that are wildly overshadowed by those who are strictly offense. Although this has been the case for year’s, this is still a hotly contested award every year.

There are three players that stick out as potential award winners this year, two of which are very familiar names when talking about the award. One is a newcomer to the higher ranks of defense this year but his spot in the conversation is well earned. Besides, the best center in the league has to be in the conversation or something is seriously wrong.

Apr 10, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends the shot by Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee (1) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Jazz won 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

So let’s take a look briefly at the three favorites this year. We are going to do this simply because the staff had no wildcard picks for the award after these heavily favored three.

Dallas Mavericks

Rudy Gobert is the top defensive center in the league. Aside from his great shot-blocking ability, Gobert is also an excellent rebounder, fairly quick on his feet for a 7-footer, and an anchor to the toughest defense in the league. He led the league in blocks per game with 2.6 and was 5th in the league in total defensive rebounds.

Draymond Green is a name that will probably be associated with this award until he retires and for good reason. Green plays the power forward position, although if you watch him during the game you might not actually know that. He is in the top 20 in total steal, blocks, defensive rebounds, and blocks per game. He also led the league in steals per game,

Kawhi Leonard is the two-time defender of the award and looks to take it away once again. Although Leonard isn’t a stat leader, he is tasked with guarding the best player on the other team every single night. He also plays the toughest position to guard where he regularly meets up with LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Paul George, etc.

Here are the staff picks for the award.

Next: Rudy Gobert