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#3 Anthony Davis
The second best player behind Lebron James in the LA Lakers’ side, Anthony Davis’ defensive presence has been a huge part of the LA Lakers’ recent dominance in the NBA. Anthony Davis finished second last season for the DPOY and is currently sitting out due to a calf injury, which has resulted in him dropping to the #3 spot in our DPOY Power Rankings.
AD has the ability to guard any position, and offers constant rim-protection to the Lakers consistently. His absence has been a problem for the Lakers, and his overall numbers have been sublime, to say the least: Anthony Davis is currently averaging 6.3 defensive rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.8 blocks, and is a frontrunner for the DPOY award this time around.
#2 Myles Turner
Myles Turner’s defensive numbers have been nothing short of extraordinary for the Indiana Pacers this time around. The 24-year old is one of the best rim-protectors in the NBA and is producing 3.5 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. The Indiana Pacers are on their way to becoming a defensively elite NBA team, and Turner’s form has helped their offensive players focus on scoring.
The likes of Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon are currently producing their best ever numbers in points per NBA game, and a lot of the credit goes to the defensive astuteness and energy of Myles Turner. He has an uncanny ability to impact matches at crucial junctures and has been a willing defensive stalwart, allowing the Pelicans to 5th in the Eastern Conference.
#1 Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert’s defensive impact on teams cannot be communicated in numbers alone, although the numbers have been impressive to say the least. He gives this Utah Jazz side a certain fearlessness that has allowed the likes of Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell and Jordan Clarkson to regularly exceed offensive expectations.
The Utah Jazz are currently 1st in the NBA Western Conference with an incredible 23-5 record, and Rudy Gobert’s defensive omnipresence has got a lot to do with it.
He is currently producing 9.8 defensive rebounds and 2.8 blocks every game, and has been very useful offensively as well. He is currently the odds-on favorite to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, and takes up the top spot this time around.
Guess the Lakers players!
