NBA 2016-17 Award And Season Predictions Roundtable

Oct 21, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball over Houston Rockets small forward Corey Brewer (33) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball over Houston Rockets small forward Corey Brewer (33) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
6 of 8
Oct 14, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) looks on during the first half against the Miami Heat at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) looks on during the first half against the Miami Heat at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Player of the Year

During the last two season’s it’s been Kawhi Leonard‘s to lose – and he hasn’t done that. When watching him on the defensive end, it’s impressive the way he’s able to almost single-handedly eliminate one side of the court. That’s how long and skilled he is on that end of the floor.

Perhaps most impressively is that this is a guy that’s also good on the other end of the floor. Question is, will we see some voter fatigue this season? If so, that could open up an opportunity for a guy like Draymond Green or Rudy Gobert.

Saenz: Hassan Whiteside

Jenkins: Draymond Green

Murray: Kawhi Leonard

Blochlinger: Anthony Davis

Clark: Rudy Gobert

Webb: Kawhi Leonard, still the best on-ball, perimeter defender there is.

Morton: Kawhi Leonard

Little: Kawhi Leonard

Merrion: Draymond Green

Polazzon: Draymond Green

McFee: Rudy Gobert

Staple Jr: Kawhi Leonard

Donadic: Hassan Whiteside

Eddy: Rudy Gobert

Moeller: Kawhi Leonard

Rippon: Rudy Gobert