Dallas Mavericks: End of season awards predictions roundtable

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 07: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz during a game at Fiserv Forum on January 07, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Defensive Player of the Year

Giannis Antetokounmpo

“I did mention that he dominated both ends of the court right? Giannis is a dominant defender who brings so much versatility to his team. This was a tough decision for me between Giannis, Rudy Gobert, and Paul George. In the end, I gave Giannis the slight edge because of his ability to shut you down in the paint or lock you up on the perimeter.” –Sean Bush

“Giannis allows the Bucks to play tighter at the perimeter. He only needs a step or two to get across the floor, making life miserable for opponents with his length and quickness. He averages almost three combined steals and blocks per game. But the biggest reason is the security he provides behind his teammates allow them to be aggressive when defending the perimeter. He’s everywhere on a basketball court.” –Ben Zajdel

“As I alluded to earlier, Giannis Antetokounmpo is the complete package. There is no question whether or not he can guard every position in the NBA.

Eye test or going the statistical route see Giannis as the favorite. The MVP favorite is second in defensive rating, third in defensive win shares, second in defensive rebounding, and 10th in blocks per game.” –Lance Roberson

PORTLAND, OREGON – APRIL 23: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder hits a shot during the first half of Game Five of the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center on April 23, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Paul George

“This is actually a close debate, but it looks like the Thunder might actually win something for once. Paul George has been nice at the defensive end of the court. 8 rebounds, and a career high 2 steals per game. It’s a neck and neck race, but Paul George might just edge out Gobert and Leonard. Maybe PG13 has a chance.” –Arsal Hussain

“Paul George’s banged-up shoulders likely took him out of the MVP conversation, but his defensive impact didn’t slip. In the playoffs, Damian Lillard successfully got himself matched up against Russell Westbrook on switches, where he did most of his damage. Even after his miraculous game-winner from light years away in game 5, George still held his own against the nuclear offensive player that is Damian Lillard.

George’s length, shiftiness, and active hands were troublesome for scorers all season long. In an early season game against the Mavericks, George played such elite defense on Luka Doncic that at one point in the fourth quarter, Doncic looked to his bench and pointed to Dennis Smith Jr., asking the coaches to call sets for their other perimeter scorer.” –Evan Siegel

Rudy Gobert

“I am shocked that I am the only one on the staff that is going to get this one right. Rudy Gobert is going to win this award for the second consecutive year as he has proven once again to be the most influential defensive player in the league. The best defensive big is traditionally the DPOY in the league, but defensive wings are starting to gain more value. That won’t happen this year, as the best rim protector in the league was the most important player in a year dominated by offense.” –Kohl Rast