Players in the NBA tend to take great satisfaction in their scoring abilities because of the league’s emphasis on offense. It’s the same handful of names every year who dominate the Defensive Player of the Year voting, suggesting that defense is a dead art.
Star player Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies joined the ranks of those players lately. After Marcus Smart won the award in 2021–22, he was the only player to win the award more than once.
However, there are still a few defensive superstars that aren’t given the recognition they deserve. This article will discuss the top three current defensive players that have yet to win Defensive Player of the Year.
3. Anthony Davis
In terms of protecting the basket, Anthony Davis is perhaps the finest in the NBA. He has the ability to block shots and completely disrupt the other team’s offensive rhythm whenever he is in the paint.
It’s possible that the Los Angeles Lakers all-star’s inability to win Defensive Player of the Year is due to the fact that he seldom plays a complete season due to injury.
2. Bam Adebayo
Bam Adebayo has been a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year far too often. He often comes in second or third, much as Joel Embiid does in MVP voting.
Adebayo’s defensive influence cannot be overstated, as shown by the fact that he has finished on the podium more frequently than not during his career. He is one of the few big men that can compete well on the perimeter.
1. Jrue Holiday
It is incomprehensible and puzzling to the vast majority of NBA players that Jrue Holiday has never even been a contender for Defensive Player of the Year.
When it comes to the perimeter, Holiday is a major nuisance. He can run over screens and defend positions 1-5 with ease, and his fast hands allow him to steal the ball from any player.
