I think NBA.com should have a season long DPOY piece like they have for the MVP. Not that I ever read it but I would if they were if it were for defense... if they have one then they should do a better job of making sure I know about it. Cuz to me it seems like the DPOY talk doesnt get started until some time during the 2nd half of the season. Whatever the reason, I see no reason to wait so please give your take on who you think the years best defenders have been. Any newcomers this year? Surprises?
One or more of the following must be on the list: Ariza, Battier, or Hayes. Lack of any of the three will immediately show that the DPOY is nothing more then fancy blocks and steals.
Hayes has been amazing. Battier may end up on the short list based on reputation, but I've been far more impressed with Hayes so far this season.
Chuck Hayes Shane Battier (for reputation, #ell they give it to Kobe, Camby, and Bowen based on it) Rondo Pryzbilla/Oden (together) - Odenzbilla, possibly the Trailblazers as team that team has been beasting on defense 41.2% FG and 88.1 a game. That's Spurs and Pistons circa 03 - 06 type numbers. Dwight Howard (obvious candidate to win, probably) Mario Chalmers (That guy is wolverine on defense, the games i have seen him in, so I can't speak for the other games) Chris Paul (a good choice, but he is not even the best PG defender) Two resurrected candidates Jermaine O'Neal and Ben Wallace (maybe, not DPOY, but they've improved from their last forgettable years, more inspired and not injured, I guess)
Oden will be a Mutombo-lite (very lite) defender, in a few years, if he can stay healthy. But, Pryzbilla rarely gets credits in the media, when reality he is much better defender than say some all-star bound center (candidates) for the 2010 All Star Game.
In that case, Jason Maxiell should be included in the DPOY list. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeD4f7zaoV8
Fouls = highlight blocks = amazing defender If Pryz hasn't gotten it yet, he won't be getting it this year. Outside of his lecherous play against us last year, I've liked his shot changing presence. The least offensive choice to me would be DH. I like shot blockers.
As much as Chuck Hayes deserves to be in the conversation, he won't be at the end of the year because he doesn't get the sexy blocks and steals the media wants from its defensive player of the year. It will probably be Dwight Howard again.
Has anyone in the history of the league been a more overrated defender than Kobe Bryant? When exactly did he face the pressure of slowing down the opposition's top scorer? Unless it's the last few minutes of a playoff game, Kobe is almost always found guarding the weakest perimeter player on the other team. He has the skills, but he just isn't asked to use them very often. That doesn't stop people from acting like he's an all-world defender every night.
completely agree. He NEVER guards to opponents best player unless he absolutely has to. He is a fine defensive player, not bad, but certainly not great. A terribly overrated defender.
