If it's possible for Gary Payton to get a DPOY award in 1996 with pivots like DReam, Robinson and Mutombo in the league then it won't be crazy for LeBron to get one over Howard. If not then just change the name to the defensive pivot of the year award.
Not sure why people aren't bringing up Iggy. He's the leader of the team that plays the best defense in the league. And I think he's a better perimeter defender than LeBron is. He might not be as versatile in guarding maybe the 4 or 5 but he can definitely guard 1, 2, and 3 and Philly is way ahead of everyone else in defense. Not saying LeBron shouldn't win, especially if they're actually going to consider wings to win it (last wing player to win it was back in 2003-2004 - Ron Artest) but you can argue that Iguodala has just as much of a case to win it as LeBron does. Personally, I think Howard should win it when you have a team full of guys that really doesn't have a good defender outside of Howard and still 11th in the league in defense. I wouldn't say Tony Allen belongs in the discussion only because he doesn't play enough minutes.
Part of it is popularity. If melo ever decided to play defense, then he would make 2nd all-defensive team.
Isn't even guarding Durant anymore. You can't give this guy DPOY when he's 195 on D guarding his own position.
Mind you, Durant scored most of his points off the ball, which isn't LBJ's strength. Broussard brought up a stat in the pre-game show. LBJ is #1 in the league in iso situations defensively, holding his man to 19%fg. But, I don't think God could stop Durant tonight. He was that good.
He was everywhere out there tonight blocking shots and even guarding camby. With the dh12 saga I think lbj is getting it this year.