NBA Defensive Player of the Year Ladder: Where is O.G. Anunoby?

2. O.G. Anunoby, Toronto Raptors

Anunoby is the defensive lynchpin of a team that has leaned into a very unique identity on that end of the floor. After missing out on the All-Defensive for years due to a lack of hype and injury problems, Anunoby has shown the full extent of what he can do in this campaign.

Anunoby has the steals that will help woo the uninformed voter that hasn’t seen as many Raptors games, and his on-ball wizardry will help sway the film grinders over to his side of the aisle. Toronto will need to keep their overall defensive ranks high for ANunoby’s campaign to truly blossom.

Toronto Raptors: Can O.G. Anunoby beat out Giannis Antetokounmpo?

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

While Luka Doncic is likely going to give him a hell of a run, Antetokounmpo has a great shot at winning his third MVP in five seasons. Adding another DPOY to his mantlepiece isn’t crazy either, as he has been carrying the Bucks during their hot start without Khris Middleton.

The Bucks rank at or near the top of basically every defensive statistic, and the 6-11 super freak who remains the dictionary definition of a positionless defender is the main reason why. If Anunoby loses this award to Giannis, it will be no fault of his.