21 players the NBA repeatedly snubbed for Defensive Player of the Year

Snubbed Defensive Player #13: Anthony Davis

Throughout his now 11-year NBA career, Anthony Davis has proven to be a highly skilled defender. Surprisingly, however, he has yet to win a Defensive Player of the Year award. Davis has led the NBA in blocks per game three times and has averaged at least 1 steal per game every season of his career, a rarity for power forwards and centers.

His best defensive seasons came during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, when he averaged 4.1 stocks (steals plus blocks) and 4.4 stocks respectively. Unfortunately, his defensive impact was lost on the New Orleans Pelicans, who ranked 27th and 22nd, respectively, negatively affecting his candidacy. Years later, Davis is still making an impact.

During the 2022–23 season, Davis has contested nearly 18 shots per game and held opponents to just 43.9% shooting. He is also averaging an impressive 2.1 blocks and one steal per game, helping anchor an above-average Los Angeles Lakers defense.

Ultimately, perhaps the biggest reason Davis hasn’t won a DPOY award thus far has a lot to do with his health. On average, he has missed at least 20 games per season over his career. That makes it harder for voters to reward his defensive contributions when there are healthier options. That being said, Davis still has time and the ability to win the award before he retires.