Giannis Antetokounmpo wins Defensive Player of the Year

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the Defensive Player of the Year

The main reason the Milwaukee Bucks are once again the class of the Eastern Conference is the standout performance of Greek superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo on the offensive end of the floor. However, Giannis’ skill isn’t limited to one-half of the game, as the 2018-19 MVP was also voted as the best defensive player in the league.

Antetokounmpo has been named the 2019-20 Defensive Player of the Year, beating out Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis and Utah Jazz rim protector Rudy Gobert by a wide margin. Rounding out the top five is 6-10 Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, who is starting to come into his own as a star.

Giannis’ numbers prove what an elite defender he is

Giannis’ defensive rating of 97, which means that he allows an average of 97 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor, and defensive win shares total of .195 are both the best in the league. Both advanced and traditional stats present him in a favorable light, as he has recorded an average of at least one steal and block per game in every season he’s been in the league.

Those numbers coupled with the fact Milwaukee has both the East’s best record and the eighth-fewest total amount of points allowed in the league likely sealed the deal for Giannis.

While Davis and Gobert are certainly two of the best in the league at protecting the rim, Antetokounmpo’s ability to guard any position on the floor for the best team in the league clearly was important to the voters. While Antetokounmpo still needs to work on getting a championship ring, he can take solace in the fact he has been voted the best overall and best defensive player in the sport in consecutive seasons.