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

By Jack Simone | Mar 6, 2022

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

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 19: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the second half of a game against the Houston Rockets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 19, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah , 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Week 20 NBA DPOY Ladder: 3. Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz

Rank last week: 3

Despite the movement around him, Rudy Gobert keeps his spot at third on the ladder this week. The Utah Jazz have been hot for a while now, but a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans just humbled them very quickly.

For as long as Gobert is in his prime, he is going to be in the race for this award. He’s already won Defensive Player of the Year three times, including last season.

As mentioned last week, a lot of people will point at last year’s playoffs as a reason to bash Gobert. The LA Clippers were able to expose his weaknesses at an elite level.

That being said, when it comes to protecting the paint, there is no one better in the league than Gobert. He’s the best interior defender in the NBA, despite not being very mobile.

At the same time, though, Utah’s defensive numbers have dropped a bit this year. They were the third-best defense in the league last year, but now, they are ranked only 13th in the NBA.

That drop-off has also contributed to them going from being the best team in the West to fourth. And even that’s not set in stone, as the fifth-seeded Dallas Mavericks are making a run.

Regardless, Gobert’s elite defensive presence is undeniable. But at this point, with him having won so many awards, voter fatigue is bound to be a factor.