NBA Awards Watch: Defensive Player of the Year

By Evan Massey | Nov 6, 2014

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; San Antonio, TX, USA; Atlanta Hawks power forward Paul Millsap (4) shoots the ball as San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) looks on during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks

Another one of the surprises on this list is Atlanta Hawks’ forward Paul Millsap, who really hasn’t been a great defender throughout the majority of his career. Standing at 6’8″ as a power forward isn’t easy, but he has come through in a big way for the Hawks so far this season.

Millsap has averaged 2.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game through the Hawks’ first three games. He has been one of the main leaders on the defensive end of the court, and that is an area that the Hawks desperately needed someone to step up. It will be intriguing to see if he is able to keep up the production that he has had, but the Hawks could certainly use that type of play on the defensive end of the court.

Next: 8. Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls