NBA Awards: Paul George snubbed for Defensive Player of the Year

Paul George was nominated as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate at the NBA Awards but was snubbed in favor of Ruby Gobert.

The NBA Awards took place on Monday Night. The OKC Thunder saw an incredible season put on display by Paul George. Before his injuries, George was playing at an MVP level. So much so he earned himself a Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year nomination. Before George went down with injuries, the OKC Thunder were playing like one of the best teams in the Western Conference.

This Paul George season will not be forgotten by OKC Thunder fans everywhere.

https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1143294320277110786

George was electric on both ends of the floor throughout the season, but he really stepped up on the defensive end. George has always been an elite defender at the NBA level.

This year though, George was just different. He had to step up for the entire year without Andre Roberson, an elite defender in his own right, logging a single minute this season.

That was not the only thing Paul George contributed though. Andre Roberson is elite defensively and it is helped out by the fact he does nothing offensively. George though boosted a 30 percent usage percentage this past season, including being the leading bucket getter and go to late game scoring option for the OKC Thunder.

George was incredible at jumping in the passing lanes, tipping passes, and getting out in transition. He also locked down some of the most elite guards and wings in the NBA.

George is not the only Defensive player of the year finalist.

https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1143217222073982976

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Giannis Antetokounmpo was a defensive freak in his own right, helping lead the Bucks to the best record in the Eastern Conference and a good defensive team.

Rudy Gobert won the award last season and anchored a Utah Jazz defense who had a very great year, Gobert cleaned up the Jazz wings and guards and allowed them to take chances. In my eyes, was him and George competing for this award and the best defensive player in the league.

My Ballot:

1. Paul George
2. Rudy Gobert
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo

And the Winner is: Rudy Gobert took home the honor for the second straight season.

Check back to TI for more NBA Awards and offseason coverage.