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3 reasons OG Anunoby is a better defensive player then Brook Lopez right now

By Kahfeel Buchanan

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 28: O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors blocks a shot by Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 28: O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors blocks a shot by Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images /
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After years of flying under the radar, OG Anunoby kicked off his Defensive Player of the Year campaign when he declared himself the best defender in the league after the Toronto Raptors’ 143-100 win over the San Antonio Spurs on November 2.

Following a strong start on defense this season, Anunoby was confident enough to let the NBA world know what he believed for some time. Declaring that he “always thought I was the best defender in the league” was shocking for a player who normally comes off as very mild-mannered.

The latest defensive player of the year ranking on NBA.com ranked Anunoby second. Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez was ranked first. Lopez’s start to the season on defense was great, and he deserves to be in the conversation.

However, the self-proclaimed best defender in the league has a few reasons to be upset that he wasn’t acknowledged as such on the list. If the season ended today, Anunoby should be voted NBA Defensive Player of the Year ahead of Lopez.

3 reasons Raptors star OG Anunoby should be a DPOY favorite.

1. Anunoby guards more positions

Listed at 6-7 and 232 pounds, Anunoby can guard every position on the court. From point guard to center, it doesn’t matter. Anunoby is quick enough to stay in front of most guards in the league and strong enough to give NBA bigs headaches and a couple of bruises.

Lopez can protect the paint with the best of them, especially after his rebirth on the defensive side of the floor upon joining Milwaukee, but Lopez isn’t the fastest guy and can have trouble guarding the league’s better perimeter players.

OG Anunoby is a more versatile defender than Brook Lopez.

Anunoby gives the Raptors a lot of defensive options and allows execute their switch-heavy philosophy. On a nightly basis, OG goes everywhere on defense. Near Half court, at the corners, in the paint, and in offensive players’ pockets, it doesn’t matter.

For most of Lopez’s time on defense, he has planted himself in the paint, occasionally stepping up to the free-throw line.

Lopez is the definition of a rim protector. This has a lot to do with why he is averaging 2.8 blocks per game. Defining Anunoby’s role on defense isn’t that easy. He does everything, and that ability to blend in everywhere needs to be reflected in the awards voting when push comes to shove.