Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert
The picture could do the talking, but is there really anyone else that has a better shot at winning the award than the player whose nickname is “The Stifle Tower”?
The past three seasons, Gobert has ranked first, third and third in blocks per game. In that same timespan, he’s ranked fourth, first and seventh in total blocks, and second, third and eighth in defensive rating.
The lowest spot he’s ranked in the past four seasons in Defensive Box Plus-Minus is third (in the 2015-16 season). Basketball-Reference’s similarity scores (which compares a player to players that have had similar numbers and/or careers) say he’s comparable to Bill Laimbeer, Patrick Ewing, Willis Reed and Moses Malone. Not bad for a late first round pick.
The best part about Rudy Gobert winning the award this past season is that he showed enough in just 56 games to beat out Joel Embiid‘s 63 games and Anthony Davis‘ 75-game body of work.
Imagine what could happen in a full season for the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
Odds: DPOY favorite