(Photo by Jeenah Moon/Getty Images)
The old NBA saying states that offense wins games but defense wins championships.
That’s why having an elite defender on your team should always be at the top of the priority list, and why two-way players are so coveted in today’s game.
With that in mind, a list of NBA experts from ESPN predicted next season’s Defensive Player of the Year, and the results weren’t exactly surprising.
Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. was chosen as the frontrunner to win back-to-back awards with 54 points, followed by Bam Adebayo (26 points) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (21 points).
Other players getting votes include Evan Mobley, Marcus Smart, Mikal Bridges, Rudy Gobert, Anthony Davis, Draymond Green, Brook Lopez, Jaden McDaniels, and Robert Williams III.
ESPN’s experts voted on the 2024 DPOY:
Jaren Jackson Jr.: 54 points
Bam Adebayo: 26 points
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 21 points
Evan Mobley: 18 points
Marcus Smart: 18 points
Mikal Bridges: 17 points
Rudy Gobert: 17 points
Anthony Davis: 15 points
Draymond Green: 13 points…
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 23, 2023
Controversies aside, Jackson Jr. was the rightful winner this time.
Jackson Jr. is just scratching the surface of his potential.
Injuries set him back in the first couple of seasons of his promising career, but he always showcased the potential to be a lockdown defender.
Despite his height, he can hold his own in the perimeter and stay in front of quicker, smaller players, and he’s an elite rim protector.
But just like what happens with every award and distinction, it’s not about what you did in the past but about what you’re going to do next.
The post ESPN Experts Predict The 2024 NBA DPOY Winner appeared first on The Cold Wire.