Competition for Utah Jazz center: Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo, aka “The Greek Freak”, is one of the few active players whose defensive resumé can be stacked up next to Rudy Gobert’s. The Bucks superstar has already won one DPOY award in 2020 and has been named to an NBA All-Defensive team four times. Vegas odds currently have him in third in the DPOY race, one spot behind the Jazz center.
Antetokounmpo’s situation is very similar to Adebayo’s. His almost superhuman athleticism at 6-foot-11 gives him the ability to guard any player in the entire league regardless of position. With 11.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.4 blocks per game, his defensive numbers are as good as ever.
There’s no doubt Antetokounmpo should be in consideration for the award. But like Adebayo, he has plenty of help. There are currently three other players on the team who have been earned All-Defensive honors throughout their careers. Outside of Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have exceptional perimeter defenders in Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, along with bigs who can hold down the paint in Serge Ibaka and Brook Lopez.
The DPOY race will be close this year, but at the level that Rudy Gobert has been defending with the lack of help on that side of the ball, we should see the Jazzman take home this award for the fourth time.
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