The start of the 2021-22 NBA season is just around the corner, and that means it's time to take a look at the latest odds for who will be crowned the 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year. Each year, this award is given to an individual who has made outstanding contributions on the defensive end throughout the course of their team’s regular season campaign. It is one of the most coveted awards in all of basketball, and as such, there are always plenty of candidates vying for it. Are you looking to start betting on sports effectively? Then 1xBetNigeria is the perfect platform for you (here is the link: https://1xbetnigeria.ng).
This year’s top contenders for Defensive Player of the Year include some familiar names from years past, as well as some up-and-coming stars looking to make their mark among some of the league’s best defenders. Leading all players in DPOY odds heading into 2021-22 is reigning DPOY winner Rudy Gobert from Utah Jazz. Gobert put together an utterly dominant performance last season, averaging 15 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game while also recording 1.7 steals per contest. His presence in Utah's paint was integral to their success and he remains one of the most intimidating rim protectors in today’s game.
Hot on Gobert's heels are two other former DPOY winners—Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Both players were finalists for last year's award and were critical components to their respective team's success on defense in 2020-21. Embiid has long been one of Philadelphia's most important defenders; his 7'0" frame makes him a daunting figure for opposing drives to the basket and his ability to guard multiple positions makes him invaluable in today's positionless NBA. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo may have seemed like an unlikely contender when he first entered the league but has since grown into one its most formidable point-stoppers thanks to his size (6'11"), length (7'3" wingspan), court vision, and athleticism.
Other contenders include Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner who averaged 2 blocks per game last season and New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday who put together a career-best 1.5 steals per contest during 2020–21 campaign. Also garnering attention is Houston Rockets guard Victor Oladipo who led all guards with 2 blocks per game last season despite playing only 42 games due to injury problems; if he can stay healthy this season then expect him to contend strongly once again for defensive honors come midseason next year.
Jackson’s candidacy for DPOY has been a bit more of a surprise. He is averaging 2.3 blocks and 0.7 steals per game in only 24 minutes of action, making him one of the most efficient defenders in the league with respect to those categories. His 7'1" frame, long arms, and quick feet make him an ideal cover man at the rim and his ability to switch onto guards on the perimeter gives the Grizzlies a versatile defender that can help combat smaller lineups without sacrificing interior defense.
Finally rounding out our list are Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden who both put together impressive defensive performances during last season’s playoffs despite missing out on individual awards recognition for their efforts. Both players possess elite physical tools that enable them to match up with any opponent defensively so don't be surprised if they garner more recognition when voting begins come midseason next year!
Conclusion
This year’s list of contenders for the 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year award is filled with some familiar names as well as a few up-and-comers. Rudy Gobert, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner are all legitimate candidates for DPOY honors this season while Jrue Holiday, Victor Oladipo, Jayson Tatum and James Harden could also be in contention come midseason next year. With such an impressive field vying for defensive supremacy this NBA campaign promises to be one full of thrilling matchups between these top players on both ends of the court! Whether you're looking to start betting on sports effectively or just want to watch great basketball being played at its highest level make sure you keep your eyes peeled when voting begins come midseason; it's going to be exciting!
