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

Snubbed Defensive Player #17: Shane Battier

Shane Battier was taken sixth overall in the 2001 NBA draft, and while he wouldn’t go on to become a star like top-10 picks occasionally do, he did have a solid career. Battier built that long career by being a defensive standout and relying more on his high basketball IQ than just physical tools alone to get the job done. Factor in that he was a solid shooter, and he became known as one of the best 3-and-D players in the NBA during the 2000s and early 2010s, and it’s no coincidence that teams with Battier on them often overachieved.

He was a key member of the 2003-04 Memphis Grizzlies, who won 50 games for the first time in their existence thanks to their reliance on defense, and Battier certainly had a hand in that. He later helped the Houston Rockets go toe-to-toe with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2009 Western Conference Finals by helping slow down Kobe Bryant. Battier later joined the Miami Heat and was instrumental in their success playing small ball.

Battier’s move to power forward enabled Chris Bosh to slide up to center and LeBron James to stay at small forward and avoid having to guard bigger players. Battier’s willingness to do the dirty work helped the Heat win back-to-back championships and make a third NBA Finals.

Alas, despite his reputation as a terrific defender, Battier never won the Defensive Player of the Year award. While he was widely regarded on that end of the floor, he didn’t stand out enough from some of his contemporaries like Bruce Bowen, Shawn Marion, and Andrei Kirilenko, each of whom was arguably a better on-ball defender.

He also played in an era where big men like Wallace and Howard dominated the awards. To Battier’s credit, however, he was voted to two All-Defensive Second Teams, solidifying his reputation.