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NBA DPOY Ladder Week 19: An underappreciated leader

By Jack Simone

Rudy Gobert (R) of the Utah Jazz and Jaren Jackson (L) of the Memphis Grizzlies fights for a position during an NBA Western Conference playoff game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies at Vivant Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 23, 2021. (Photo by GEORGE FREY / AFP) (Photo by GEORGE FREY/AFP via Getty Images)
Rudy Gobert (R) of the Utah Jazz and Jaren Jackson (L) of the Memphis Grizzlies fights for a position during an NBA Western Conference playoff game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies at Vivant Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 23, 2021. (Photo by GEORGE FREY / AFP) (Photo by GEORGE FREY/AFP via Getty Images) /
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NBA DPOY Ladder Week 19: An underappreciated leader
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 15: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on February 15, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana., NBA DPOY Ladder Week 19: An underappreciated leader NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Week 19 NBA DPOY Ladder: 2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks are not a top-ten defensive team in the league this year, but Giannis Antetokounmpo is still putting up the numbers to be in serious consideration for this award.

Antetokounmpo, who took home the award in 2020, is having another phenomenal season on the defensive side of the ball. And for the most part, it’s because of his constant energy and effort.

Despite being (usually) forced to defend the opposing teams’ best player, Antetokounpo is only allowing those he guards to shoot 43.8 percent from the field (12th in the NBA).

For as long as he’s in the league, and the Bucks are playing well as a team, Antetokounmpo will be in the running for Defensive Player of the Year.

Week 19 NBA DPOY Ladder: 1. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Jaren Jackson Jr. is being severely slept on when it comes to the Defensive Player of the Year award. He should be the frontrunner to win the award for a variety of reasons.

First and foremost, Jackson Jr. leads the league in blocks – and it’s not even close. He’s tallied 132 blocks, Myles Turner is second with 118, and Robert Williams is third with 105.

Plus, he’s been the anchor in the paint for a top-ten defense in the league and a team with a top-three record – something Antetokounmpo and Gobert cannot claim. He’s seventh in contested shots (597) and 16th in opponent field goal percentage (44.3 percent).

Jackson Jr. likely won’t win the award because he’s not a big enough name to draw the necessary votes, but right now, with how well Memphis is playing, he deserves to be the top candidate.

Next. NBA MVP Ladder - Three big men battle for first place. dark