OKC Thunder 2018-19 Awards Special -Predicting winners with a view to potential OKC contenders

Defensive Player of the Year

Former winners ruled the predictions (other than one smart hot take) and one first time winner who is bound to collect this award if not this season than certainly in the future.

Finalists in 2017-18:  Rudy Gobert (Jazz), Anthony Davis (Pelicans), Joel Embiid (76ers).

Winner: Rudy Gobert.

Tamberlyn Richardson – Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors

This is a bit of an odd choice (given my next prediction), however the Raptors were the only team in the NBA who finished top five in both offensive and defensive ranking. Defensively it’s a massive upgrade – DeMar DeRozan for Leonard (and a more than serviceable Danny Green). Toronto is a no-brainer to finish top five defensively (likely top three). Preseason Leonard’s impact is already visible with OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam in particular eating up Leonard’s every word.

Lawrence George – Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic

After spending most of last season injured, Isaac arrives into his sophomore year with huge expectations. Should Jonathan Isaac stay healthy, the 6’10 big man (though reports suggest he may be 7-foot tall) with a 7’1 wingspan and superb defensive instincts should make some noise on the defensive end.

Rylan Stiles – Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors

Kawhi will be playing in a great system, mixed with his great talent defensively, plus the comeback story makes this a no brainer.

Austin Sternlicht – Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz

The Jazz have the best defense in the league. Gobert stays healthy all year long and allows Utah to finish with a top four seed in the West.

Jordan Buckamneer – Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors

For my money, he’s the best two-way player in the league not named LeBron James. I think he’s going to be great in Toronto and will lead the Raptors to the second-best record in the East, behind only Boston.

Asad Ali Jamal  – Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz

Rudy Gobert is a freak of nature, honestly. I just don’t see anyone who is in a better position to grab the Defensive Player of the Year award. Gobert is an already-defensive-minded center with impressive length and agility locked into a system that values defense alongside excellent help-defenders. He’s going to win it.

https://twitter.com/sixers/status/1051117860209061888

Gideon Lim – Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

I think people don’t realize how cohesive Philly is as a unit. It’s easy to get distracted by their star names and outlandish front office upheaval. But they are an excellently coached team, and nothing exemplifies that like how well their defensive scheme utilizes JoJo. I think their hype island (and good health) swings in JoJo’s favour while voters get bored of the rest of the party.

Alex Mcewen: – Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz

It is difficult to repeat as DPoY, but Gobert possesses the tenacity, talent, and reputation to do so. However, there will be other viable candidates standing in his way on his path to repeat.