Did someone order a blocked shot? A double-double with six blocks from Rudy Gobert lifted Minnesota to yet another W last night. The TWolves now sit at 30-11.
We've reach midpoint of the NBA season, so it's a good time to take a look at what we've experienced so far. It has been a wild journey, with some great stories, unexpected performances (for better or worse), and, when it comes to Defensive Player of The Year, there are some familiar faces and some newlycomers that are worth to mention.
Rudy Gobert: The french player has return to his Utah level, and even added something that it was considered one of his major flaws. He's handling the switches to perimeter players much better. He's helding is own way better than before.
In the paint his role is well-known right now around the league, his presence is felt. His rivals are shooting 49.6% at the rim. Rudy's making attackers change their shots, they know the block is coming. Minnesota has the best defense so far and Gobert has been one of the reasons for it. Rudy has serious chances of repeating the award.
Joel Embiid: Also a runner up for back-to-back MVP, Embiid has been right there on the defensive side as well. Much like Gobert, he has quick foots and in the key, he's dominant. The Philadelphia 76ers are playing great defense, currently 6th overall, the only issue for Joel to be considered is his health. If he stays healthy and keeps up the good work, he might be sitting in the table of MVP/Defensive Player of the Year winners at the end of the season.
Anthony Davis: AD is another one who's always swirling this trophy's conversations. This year he's taking his defense to a higher level. He's a big player and move's quickly, he provides excellent rim protection and he can guard perimeter players as well. The downside is the Lakers overall defense, It's almost mandatary that the Lakers elevate their D. They need to be one of the NBA's top ten at the end of the season for AD to be seriously considered.
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Jalen Suggs for the Orlando Magic has been a factor as well. Nor the Magic are a great story but the reason they are is especially their defense. Young team, great hustle, just crazy energy on defense. And Suggs is playing as a top 3 perimeter defender so far, in addition of his team's playing top 3 level defense too.
Another names in mix are Giannis Antetokuonmpo, who's already won the award and is always in the conversation. Rookies Chet Holmgren and Wemby have played solid defense too, tho they won't win. Bam Adebayo and Evan Mobley won't reach the minnimum of 65 games to be considered, but they've been playing huge defense as well.
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