NBA Defensive Player of the Year award: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Runner-up: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
There’s really no reason why you shouldn’t love what Giannis Antetokounmpo has done this season, on both sides of the ball. For as great as he is on offense (whether it be running through defenders or extending his jump shot), he’s almost a better and more versatile defender.
That’s why he is well on his way to becoming the first player to win both the NBA’s MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards since the 1993-94 season (Hakeem Olajuwon). Only one player has accomplished it before Hakeem, Michael Jordan (1987-88).
Giannis ranks sixth in NBA Defensive Real Plus-Minus, first in Defensive Win Shares, first in Defensive Box Plus/Minus, and was averaging a career-high 14 rebounds before the hiatus. One reason why his offense comes so seamless is due to his fantastic defense.
Anthony Davis would come in second on my ballot; he’s had a sensational defensive year as well.