NBA: Way-too-early individual award predictions for 2021-22

NBA Defensive Player of the Year – Anthony Davis

The Defensive Player of the Year award has been dominated by a select few players for the past half-decade. Notable lock-down defenders like Rudy Gobert and Giannis Antetokounmpo keep the competition to a minimum with very few in the league reaching the prowess of those in line for the award.

However, a consistent challenger to the defensive throne could pose for more than anticipated this season as his Los Angeles Lakers attempt to redeem themselves from last season’s first-round playoff exit. Yes, it is Anthony Davis who could surprise people this season as he sets out for his second championship on a star-studded Lakers roster.

AD at 28 years old is amongst the top three youngest players on the roster. That speaks volumes when discussing specific attributes to the game players need to maintain in order to keep up (stamina, endurance, strength, speed). All these factors can drop with age as it is just a part of getting older. Davis, who is just entering his prime, makes his case by being the most able-bodied and biggest-bodied star on the team entering what could be the next best year of his career.

AD has already made a lot of noise on the defensive side of the game throughout his years in the league, and with him being as in shape as he is and the number two only to LeBron James on his team there’s legitimate arguments to him being within the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.