NBA DPOTY Race: Latest DPOTY ladder and power rankings feat. OG Anunoby, Brook Lopez and more | Dec. 19, 2022-23 NBA Season
The 2022-2023 NBA DPOTY race has been a bit difficult to gage, with many of the usual contenders not defending at their normal level. However, there have still been a few elite rim protectors this season from the league’s top defensive teams. There have also been a couple wing players playing lockdown defense on some of the league’s top wing scorers.
So on that note, here’s this month’s DPOTY ladder.
#5: Dillon Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies
Previous month’s DPOTY ranking: (N/A)
Games played: 26 Games won: 17 Games lost: 9
Memphis Grizzlies wing Dillon Brooks has been a huge factor in the Grizzlies' elite defense this season. Memphis have the fifth-best team defensive rating in the NBA at 109.5. That number improves to 104.3 with Brooks on the court and falls to a team-worst 112.6 with Brooks off the bench. Brooks is also holding opponents to 43.4% shooting (-3.3%) while regularly guarding many of the league’s top wings.
#4: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors
Previous month’s DPOTY ranking: (N/A)
Games played: 26 Games won: 13 Games lost: 13
The Toronto Raptors have lost their last five games, including their last four without top defender OG Anunoby. The Raptors are now 0-4 without Anunoby this season and 13-13 with him.
The Raptors are 17th in team defensive rating at 112.5. However, that number improves to 109.4 when Anunoby is on the court and falls to 114.7 when he isn't. So Anunoby’s presence is the difference between Toronto being ranked sixth and 26th in defensive rating.
Anunoby is also holding opponents to 43.1% shooting (-5.2%) while guarding elite perimeter players on a regular basis. He still leads the NBA in steals at 2.4 steals per game as well.
#3: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers
Previous month’s DPOTY ranking: 5th (↑2)
Games played: 24 Games won: 17 Games lost: 7
Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star big man Jarrett Allen has been the defensive anchor for the team with the top-ranked defensive rating in the league (107.0). The Cavs' league-best defensive rating improves to 105.4 when Allen is on the court.
Allen is also holding opposing players to just 43.6% shooting (-5.0%) and 56.6% shooting from within six feet of the rim (-7.7%). As for his traditional defensive stats, Allen is averaging 10.3 rebounds per game and 1.3 blocks per game.
#2: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Previous month’s DPOTY ranking: 1st (↓1)
Games played: 24 Games won: 17 Games lost: 7
Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has been defending at a high level on all areas of the court this season. Antetokounmpo is holding opponents to just 40.3% shooting (-7.8%) and 46.8% shooting (-17.9%) from within six feet.
The Bucks also have the second-best team defensive rating in the league at 107.6. That number improves to 105.7 with Antetokounmpo on the court.
As for his traditional defensive stats, Antetokounmpo is averaging 11.1 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.
#1: Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks
Previous month’s DPOTY ranking: 2nd (↑1)
Games played: 28 Games won: 20 Games lost: 8
Milwaukee Bucks veteran big man Brook Lopez continues to reinvent his game during his age-34 season. Lopez is still leading the NBA in blocks at 2.8 blocks per game. He has also become a more versatile defender who can close out to the 3-point line to defend.
Lopez is holding opponents to 46.6% shooting (-3.1%) and 53.7% shooting from within six feet (-10.2%). As previously mentioned, the Bucks have the second-best team defensive rating at 107.6. That number improves to 104.4 with Lopez on the court.
Overall Lopez’s elite rim protection has been a huge factor in the Bucks’ league-best 21-8 record. This includes Milwaukee being 4-1 without Giannis Antetokounmpo.
For last month's DPOTY ladder, click here.
Also read: Kia NBA MVP Race: Latest MVP ladder and power rankings feat. Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic and more | Dec. 16, 2022-23 NBA Season