Jrue Holiday
Jrue Holiday falls in a similar boat as Victor Oladipo. He’s not a favorite to win the DPOY Award, but he certainly deserves consideration. His defensive prowess has always been there, but it was thrust onto the scene full force in the Pelicans’ first-round bout against the Portland Trail Blazers where Holiday was a huge contributor in shutting down Damian Lillard and helping New Orleans earn victory.
He was likewise on the All-NBA Defensive First Team and, as I’m sure will be surprising to some, actually posted a better defensive rating than rim-protecting extraordinaire teammate Anthony Davis.
Not only that, but the Pelicans defense worsened by over nine points per 100 possessions when Holiday was off the court, a significant discrepancy. Holiday has built a reputation as an elite perimeter defender, capable of shutting down even the best of shooters. If he’s able to grow on that strength in 2018-19 and take New Orleans to new heights, he could very well be a legitimate challenger for the NBA’s top defensive recognition.