NBA Awards Watch: Final Rankings

Apr 8, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) talks with head coach Scott Brooks during a break in the action against the Sacramento Kings in the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Defensive Player of the Year

Apr 9, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts to a call in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Bulls defeated the Wolves 102-87. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Joakim Noah
2. Paul George
3. Roy Hibbert

Player	PER	STL%	BLK%	DRtg	DWS
Paul George	20.2	2.7	0.6	97	6.3
Roy Hibbert	13.8	0.6	5.8	98	4.8
Joakim Noah	20.0	1.9	3.4	96	6.3

The Bulls, anchored by Noah on the interior, have the top-ranked defense (points allowed). Noah has the lowest individual defensive rating and trails no one when it comes to defensive win shares (how much his defense contributes to his team’s wins).

George and Hibbert are largely the reason why the Pacers rank second in points allowed. George’s numbers suggest that he’s the best perimeter defender, one capable of impacting the game defensively just as much as he does offensively. He has the third lowest defensive rating and ranks second in defensive win shares. Hibbert’s paint presence defensively as a rim protector is going to be an integral part of the Pacers playoff run. Simply put, at 7-foot-2 he’s a game-changer because of his stature and ability to alter shots at the rim.