2021-22 NBA Awards: S-and-S Staff Roundtable

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks works out before a preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Fiserv Forum on October 10, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

2021-22 NBA Awards Predictions: Defensive Player of the Year

DJ: Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

I’m of the opinion that Adebayo is one of the three best defensive players in the NBA. The other two are Ben Simmons and Rudy Gobert. If the Heat are able to be among the best defensive teams in the NBA (frankly, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be after adding Kyle Lowry), Adebayo may be rewarded as the anchor.

SS: Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

The Miami Heat should be a very strong team this season. Especially on the defensive side of the ball. Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, PJ Tucker, and Bam Adebayo will make up one of the best defensive units the league has to offer and Adebayo could reap the rewards at the end of the season as the anchor to this unit.

JP: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Antetokounmpo is always a force on defense. An all-defensive first-team selection the last three years, Antetokounmpo will be a candidate to capture his second defensive player of the year award. This season will be an opportunity to add more hardware to his trophy case and a DPOY award will further add to his legacy as an all-time great.

GM: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers

AD is finally playing the center position full-time and the Lakers are going to be a kickass regular season team, so if their defense with THAT supporting cast reaches top 10, he will have a real narrative for the award. Sometimes just being better than your opponent and the team having structure (something that coach Vogel provides defensively) is enough to buff up the ratings on both sides of the ball, so I feel like there is a recipe for Davis to get the award and pad his HOF resume.

EB: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

It feels like this award usually boils down to the same handful of players, and this season is no different. The uncertainty of Ben Simmons’ status worries me, and Rudy Gobert may face some voter fatigue after winning the award in 3 of the last 4 seasons. Giannis Antetokounmpo rarely misses games, competes hard every night, and already has one DPOY to his name.

JH: Giannis Antetokoumpo, Milwaukee Bucks

For the second time in three years, Giannis will take home the DPOY as voters will begin to have voting fatigue with Rudy Gobert. Now an NBA champion, Giannis has accomplished almost everything in the NBA at such a young age and he still hasn’t even reached his prime. He will once again not only be one of the best players in the league but also the best defender.

MW: Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz

In my opinion, this really comes down to just a handful of players. Ben Simmons and Rudy Gobert and the obvious candidates along with reigning Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, Gobert is the definition of consistently and will repeat his 2016-17 season as the NBAs block leader.

QE: Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee Bucks

Holiday’s nickname should be Kwikset because he was locking guys up in the playoffs. That’s a lock brand, by the way. I had to Google lock brand names. Anyway, Holiday is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, and all eyes will be on the Bucks while they defend their NBA Championship. If Holiday can replicate his defensive tour de force from last year’s title run, voters will take notice. A point guard has not won DPOY since Gary Payton in 1995-96. The time has come, NBA. Respect the little guys!

JF: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

After a year’s respite from the major awards cycle, the voter fatigue will fade, and Giannis will retake his title as basketball’s best defender from Rudy Gobert (who will likely be the victim of voter fatigue). With last year’s injury, Anthony Davis will be load managed the remainder of his career. Joel Embiid would have a good opportunity to compete in this race if Ben Simmons truly didn’t return to Philly, but he’s never played more than 64 games in a season. There are plenty of worthy candidates, but Giannis’ steadiness and championship afterglow makes him my guess.

Final tally: Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) 4, Bam Adebayo (MIA) 2, Jrue Holiday (MIL) 1, Rudy Gobert (UTA) 1, Anthony Davis (LAL) 1

Takeaways: There aren’t any Ben Simmons picks here, which is pretty surprising. Additionally, the odds-favorite Rudy Gobert only musters one vote.

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