Defensive Player of the Year
1. Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr. missed time to injury early in the season and he averaged only 28.4 minutes per game. The best argument against Jackson is rooted simply in his lack of playing time. The foul trouble issues are overblown, but not non-existent. That said, no player influenced opposing offenses more when on the court than Jackson. His league-best 3.0 blocks per game is only the tip of the iceberg. He’s an elite switch defender, a deadly roam, a ceaseless whirlwind of chaos — good chaos if you’re Memphis, bad chaos if you’re the other team.
2. Bam Adebayo, Heat
Bam Adebayo not being more forcefully argued in the DPOY race is somewhat disappointing. It’s probably because of Miami’s limited team success, but it’s hard to overstate Adebayo’s defensive acumen. He’s the ultimate switch-everything, five-position stopper. The perfect modern center — equally capable of protecting the rim or coffining ball-handlers on the perimeter. Grand scheme, ask me to pick the best defender in the NBA and it’s hard not to ride with Bam.
3. Evan Mobley, Cavaliers
Evan Mobley is another prototypical modern big, capable of switching 1-5 and drowning opposing offenses in a sea of arms. Few true 7-footers are more comfortable in space than Mobley. He’s already an elite team defender, always in the right position and a true roaming aficionado. Let him wander off a weaker offensive threat and Mobley will close off every passing lane within arm’s reach while also deterring prospective drivers who fear his shot-blocking presence. The Cavs have been the league’s best defense statistically and while Mobley can’t receive all the credit, he’s definitely what makes Cleveland special.
Honorable mention: Brook Lopez, Bucks