NBA Award Predictions: Do the Golden State Warriors have any winners?

By Tony Pesta | Feb 18, 2019

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives on Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on March 29, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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Oklahoma City Thunder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Defensive Player of the Year: Paul George

Honorable mentions: Joel Embiid, Rudy Gobert, Myles Turner, Kawhi Leonard

Paul George is having the best season of his career and his performances on both ends of the floor have propelled him into not only the MVP conversation but also into considerations for the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

George has always been an elite perimeter defender, but this season has been something special for PG. He is averaging a career-high 2.3 steals per game. Meanwhile, George is second in the league for deflections per game and leads everyone with 123 loose balls recovered this season.

PG’s defensive versatility is a big reason behind the fact that the Oklahoma City Thunder have the third best defensive rating in the league. George is capable of guarding all five positions and makes the Thunder a very tough team to score on.

Some other notable players in this category are Joel Embiid, Rudy Gobert, Myles Turner and Kawhi Leonard. A majority of these players are excellent shot blockers and have solid foot speed but can’t match the same versatility as George. The only player who comes close is Leonard but he has not been as potent on defense this season as in years past.

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