"This is not a diss to any big" - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's teammate proposes unusual tweak to NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award
Jalen Williams, the OKC Thunder’s second option behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, recently shared his thoughts on the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. Traditionally, the award has been dominated by big men at the center and forward positions, largely due to their defensive statistics, such as steals and blocks.
In a preview for an episode of "The Young Man and the Three" podcast released Tuesday, Williams suggested the NBA consider awarding two Defensive Player of the Year honors: one for big men and one for perimeter players.
Williams said past winners of the award were all deserving, but he feels the league should recognize non-bigs who excel defensively in ways that might not show up on the stat sheet. He cited Herb Jones, who averages 1.9 steals per game, as a prime example of this type of player.
"I think there should be two Defensive Players of the Year," Williams said. "This is not a diss to any big that gets it. Because every big that has gotten it is deserving. ... But defense is very like different for certain players."
"I can be a really good defender without averaging the most steals. Herb Jones not like first in steals, but if you ask everybody around the NBA who one of the best defenders in the league is, he's gonna be in the top five."
NBA writers pick Victor Wembanyama as midseason Defensive Player of the Year
San Antonio Spurs rising star Victor Wembanyama emerged as the Defensive Player of the Year favorite among most NBA.com writers. In a feature where four writers selected their midseason award picks, Wembanyama received votes from three out of the four contributors.
The lone exception was John Schuhmann, who cast his vote for Cleveland Cavaliers standout Evan Mobley.
The Spurs big is averaging 3.9 blocks and 1.1 steals per game this season. In December, he tied his career-high in blocks with 10 against the Portland Trail Blazers.
While his height is a major factor in his defensive dominance, few players of his size have utilized their physical gifts as effectively as the 7-foot-4 Frenchman.