The best defenders are the ones that are in the thicket of the highlight-reel. The defense is a team skill but it takes quality individuals to contrast a defensive identity. For starters, the defense seems to follow New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau wherever he goes. In his first season, the Knicks are allowing the lowest points per game among any NBA team. After the Knicks, the likes of Frank Vogel and Quinn Synder have the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz in close pursuit, while the addition of Chris Paul has helped change the defensive identity of the Phoenix Suns. With so much talent on display, who are the best defenders in the NBA right now? When it comes to making a bet on Defensive Player of the year, this would be a smart time to use your Caesars Sportsbook bonus code on any of these three players.
Myles Turner – Indiana Pacers
Turner is the shot blocker heard around the world. Leading the league with 3.5 blocks per game, if this was a regular 82-game regular season, Turner would have a chance to break the league record for blocks in a season. Turner leads the league in block percentage, meaning that he blocks a shot 9.6% of the time when a shot is attempted. Despite not being known as a strong rebounder, his shot-blocking changes the landscape of how teams prepare to play against the Pacers. Turner once recorded a game with eight blocks earlier this season and has recorded six or more in a game six times. Turner is the lead contender to win the award with +300 odds.
Ben Simmons – Philadelphia 76ers
You forget that he shoots 16.7% from the three-point range when you watch Simmons play defense. Simmons leads the league in deflections (3.9) and loose balls recovered (1.5) per game. While he may not be racking up the rebounds or steals, his win defense could be the best in the league. When it comes playoff time, the team doesn’t need Simmons to play lead man. They need him to continue to play as a highly-touted role player, who can distribute the ball and guard. Whoever has to play Simmons 1-on-1 will have a difficult assignment. Simmons owns the third-best odds with +600 odds.
Rudy Gobert – Utah Jazz
If the season ended right now, Gobert would win his third Defensive Player of the Year Award in the last four seasons. Gobert leads the league in defensive win shares (2.2) and ranks third in rebounding percentage (13.5%). Mike Conley and Royce O’Neal are having career-years when it comes to defensive play but Gobert is the true anchor that keeps everything in order.
There are no easy shots with Gobert roaming the paint. The Jazz remains a top-3 defensive team in the league because of how Gobert anchors the defense. Take Gobert out of this lineup and the team would not be the same. As it stands, Gobert leads the league with the best odds to win the award with -200 odds. He is the only player that has odds in the negative.
