NBA: Top 10 candidates for 2017-18 Defensive Player of the Year

5. Andre Roberson

For all Russell Westbrook‘s triple-double prowess, the Oklahoma City Thunder earned their keep on the defensive end first and foremost, ranking 10th in defensive rating last year.

It’s notable, then, that OKC was 4.6 points per 100 possessions worse defensively with Andre Roberson off the floor. With heightened playoff aspirations and two big-name superstars entering the fold, this is his chance to claim the spotlight on the defensive end.

Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony are going to put up buckets on the offensive end, but it’ll be up to Roberson, PG-13 and Steven Adams to cover up for Russ and Melo on the defensive end. With OKC being able to play small, Roberson is going to be responsible for guarding positions 1-4, depending on the lineup.

George should help the Thunder improve on the defensive end, so if OKC can climb into that top-five range, Roberson’s reputation as the team’s designated stopper could vault him from All-Defensive Second Team considerations in 2016-17 to the DPOY field in 2017-18.