(2018 Projections) Defensive Player of the Year:
1. Paul George (Oklahoma City Thunder)
2. Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
3. Kevin Durant/Jimmy Butler (Golden State Warriors/Minnesota Timberwolves)
Paul George is leading the NBA in steals and he’s been one of the most underrated lock down defenders in the league for quite some time.
With the unfortunate loss of Andre Robertson, George has stepped it up another notch defensively and offensively.
The problem with Defensive Player of the Year is that a lot of what you’re looking for in the nominees can only be seen on film and through their intangibles, not necessarily on the stat sheet.
Embiid, Durant, and Butler all have these in-game moments and intangibles I’m talking about.
I’ll say this, Jimmy Butler is my favorite for DPOY next year, that guy just makes everyone play better defense.