Dallas Mavericks roundtable: Who will win the NBA end of season awards?

Defensive Player Of the Year

Rudy Gobert

“Rudy Gobert. If Gobert wins this award, it will mark his third straight DPOY win. Gobert just happens to be in a better position than ever to take it home. He is just now entering his prime, the Jazz added more perimeter defensive talent in Mike Conley, and the Jazz should be better than they’ve been in a long time. Gobert will enjoy more time in the spotlight and his defensive abilities will draw even more attention and praise.” –Sean Bush

Draymond Green

“Draymond Green. Green is going to enter this season with a chip on his shoulder. He wants to prove the Warriors are still the Warriors, even without Kevin Durant. It’s familiar territory for him, he’s finished 1st or 2nd three times in his career.” –Charles Allen

Mitchell Robinson

“On a per game basis, Mitchell Robinson was the 2nd highest in the league in blocks and he was averaging 8 fewer minutes per game than the leader. With starter minutes likely coming his way this year, we could see him average more than three blocks per game.” –Keatn Rast

Joel Embiid

“I’m going to go against the grain named Rudy Gobert and my prediction is Joel Embiid. According to Five Thirty Eight, Embiid has been the best defensive player in the league behind only defensive juggernaut, Draymond Green. This year, Embiid will be the best defensive player on the best Sixers defense we have seen in quite some time. Philadelphia will be a matchup nightmare for most teams based on size and Embiid will be a significant factor in this.” –Josh Gamel

Andre Drummond

“I’ve thought long and hard about this one, and I think that Andre Drummond deserves the defensive player of the year award. He’s gone two consecutive years as the NBA rebounding leader as well as holding that title back in 2016. Every year he has progressed in blocks per game and last season he averaged 1.7 blocks as well as 1.7 steals. It that doesn’t say something I don’t know what will. To average over 15 boards a game and not get defensive player of the year would be odd.” –Arsal Hussain

Giannis Antetokounmpo

“This is going to be the most frightening Greek Freak campaign yet. After an MVP season, his defensive capabilities are only improving, and with a more capable shot blocker in Robin Lopez in the paint, there is no shortage of internal defense for the Bucks to give to Giannis. The subtraction of Malcolm Brogdon will also force Giannis onto the offense’s primary scorer every night.” –Evan Siegel

Myles Turner

“After leading the league in blocks last year, it is time for Myles Turner to take another step forward in his game, particularly on the defensive end. I expect to see him creating a real issue in the paint this year and overtaking the advanced statistical nightmare that is Rudy Gobert.” –Kohl Rast