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NBA Award Watch: Chris Paul is on a mission

By John Buhler

Nov 14, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half of a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half of a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) drives the ball around Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) drives the ball around Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Player of the Year: Hassan Whiteside

Paul could win Defensive Player of the Year as well as NBA MVP, but for the sake of giving it to somebody else, it’s hard to not make a compelling case for Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside for Defensive Player of the Year.

Yes, the Heat are an awful 2-8 through their first 10 games, but Whiteside could end up being a first-time NBA All-Star this season due to his defensive prowess. For a team that isn’t likely to reach the Eastern Conference Playoffs, Whiteside has a PER of 24.6 and might be the premier shot blocker in the East this season.

Whiteside is averaging 2.3 blocks per game and is doing serious work on the glass as a rebounder. He leads the NBA in rebounds per game at 15.9, as well as a steal per game for the big fellow. His 25.6 total rebound percentage is league best.

Whiteside is getting better offensively, but it has been his defense that has set him apart this season. He already has 0.9 Defensive Win Shares and a Defensive Box Plus-Minus of 2.6. The Heat aren’t winning, but it isn’t because of Whiteside’s defense. He is crushing it on that end of the floor.

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