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Week 20 NBA DPOY Ladder: A new face tops the rankings

By Jack Simone

MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 04: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat is blocked by Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics during the first half at FTX Arena on November 04, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 04: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat is blocked by Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics during the first half at FTX Arena on November 04, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Week 20 NBA DPOY Ladder: A new face tops the rankings
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 28: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks for an answer after a call during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Fiserv Forum on February 28, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Week 20 NBA DPOY Ladder: A new face tops the rankings. 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 John Fisher/Getty Images) /

Week 20 NBA DPOY Ladder: 5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Rank last week: 3

The Milwaukee Bucks have gone 6-4 in their last 10 games. While that may not seem bad, for the reigning champs who are looking to make a serious push down the stretch, it’s also not ideal.

So far this season, Milwaukee has the 12th-best defense in the league. For reference, when Giannis Antetokounmpo took home the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020, they had the best defense in the league (by a fairly wide margin).

This isn’t to say that Antetokounpmo hasn’t been great on the defensive side of the ball this year. Of course he has. He’s one of the most impressive defenders the NBA has seen in the last decade.

But when looking at his stats in addition to the team’s overall success on that end of the floor, as well as their record in general, the case doesn’t present itself as well for him to win DPOY as it has in the past.

In reality, there’s a good chance Antetokounpmo wins this award because of his name alone. He’s undoubtedly going to get votes, and rightfully so, but sometimes the media see a big name and assume he’s the most deserving.

If the Bucks pick up the pace a bit down the stretch and Antetokounmpo continues to lead in the way he is, then he should skyrocket up this list fairly quickly.