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NBA Awards Watch: Defensive Player of the Year

By Evan Massey

Mar 22, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts after scoring against the Miami Heat during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Heat 105-95. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts after scoring against the Miami Heat during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Heat 105-95. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) drives the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green (8) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) drives the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green (8) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

10. DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors

DeMar DeRozan was not known for his defense through his first five NBA season, but he has begun turning things on this season. He has been a big piece of the Raptors’ defense, and has averaged 2.6 steals through their first five regular season games.

His athleticism and quickness gives him an advantage and allows him to get into the passing lanes and play strong on-ball defense. If the Raptors want to make a run at the top of the Eastern Conference, they are going to need DeRozan’s defense to continue at its current level. There’s no question that he has the ability to continue being a type of lock down defender if he keeps putting forth the effort.

Next: 9. Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks