Rebuking the narrative of collapse around his career, Kristaps Porzingis has refashioned himself into quite the two-way anchor for Washington. He’s still 7-foot-3 with a gorgeous shooting stroke and deep range, combined with the ability to put that massive frame to good use on the defensive end. Not many players can do both at a high level.
With elastic arms and the mobility of a wing, Nic Claxton has emerged as a legitimate DPOY frontrunner for Brooklyn. He can switch onto the perimeter and contain guards at the point of attack, or he can hang back and swat shots with the best of ’em. On the offensive end, he’s a fearless finisher who’s happy to charge shoulder-first into the nearest defender for a bucket. He’s a gazelle in transition for good measure.
Myles Turner just produced one of the most efficient 40-point games in NBA history. He can splash 3s and he’s a perennial candidate to lead the league in blocks per game. The Pacers, justifiably, rewarded his two-way contributions with a hefty contract extension.
Marcus Smart won DPOY last season, becoming the first guard since Gary Payton to bring home the hardware. That speaks to Smart’s singular impact on the game: his ability to toggle between 4-5 positions every night, using his quick hands and brute strength to stop ball-handlers dead in their tracks. Offensively, Smart has made significant strides over the past couple seasons as well.
Derrick White continues to supply Boston with All-Defensive team value off the bench. A hound at the point of attack who racks up deflections with his quick hands and razor-sharp instincts, White is right at home in just about any lineup configuration the Celtics can think of. He’s hitting enough 3s to really pop on the offensive end too.