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Milwaukee Bucks: Predicting NBA Awards

By Brian Sampson

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 04: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a slam dunk against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 04, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Bucks 114-105. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 04: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a slam dunk against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 04, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Bucks 114-105. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MAY 8: Rudy Go bert #27 of the Utah Jazz tries for the block in the first half against JaVale McG ee #1 of the Golden State Warriors in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 8, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MAY 8: Rudy Go bert #27 of the Utah Jazz tries for the block in the first half against JaVale McG ee #1 of the Golden State Warriors in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 8, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /

Defensive Player of the Year

Defensive Player of the Year is another good award with another Buck making a strong case. It’s hard to deny just how good Antetokounmpo has been on that end of the court this season. Milwaukee’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night was a prime example. Antetokounmpo locked down Ben Simmons and swatted Joel Embiid four times (he finished with five blocks in the game).

Unfortunately, I don’t think voters will go for Antetokounmpo in two separate categories and they’ll want to spread the love. Besides, it’s harder to quantify his defensive impact compared to someone like Rudy Gobert.

Gobert is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and my pick for this season as well. He’s a beast down low and impacts the game in multiple ways. The Stifle Tower stands 7-foot-1 and uses his elite size to deter shots from the rim. He’s averaging over two blocks per game for the fifth straight season.

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