Miami Heat champion Shane Battier has criticized the NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award for being biased towards rim protectors. On “The OGs Show,” Battier discussed with hosts Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller the undue emphasis on rim protection, which favors players like Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren.
Battier argued that while Wembanyama and Holmgren deserve recognition, the Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo, who finished third in this year’s DPOY voting, doesn’t get enough credit. Adebayo’s defensive skills aren’t easily measured by traditional statistics like blocks or steals. Battier praised Adebayo’s ability to defend using his strength and speed, noting that his contributions often go unnoticed compared to more visible shot blockers.
Historically, the DPOY award has mostly gone to rim protectors, with only a few exceptions such as Gary Payton, Ron Artest, Kawhi Leonard, and Marcus Smart. These players represent just 13.8% of the past 36 winners. The award typically highlights those who make highlight-reel blocks and steals, while players who excel in other defensive areas, like disrupting passing lanes, often remain overlooked.
The selection of the DPOY is influenced by 124 sportswriters and broadcasters, whose perceptions can be swayed by highlight-worthy plays. Even in the official announcement of Rudy Gobert’s 2023-24 award, offensive stats were highlighted, indicating a bias towards more visible contributions.
Battier emphasized that Adebayo’s defensive impact goes beyond conventional stats, making his efforts less appreciated. He pointed out that the current NBA rules, which limit physicality, make it harder for defenders to get recognized for one-on-one defense. Adebayo’s ability to switch and guard multiple positions effectively is a rare skill, yet it doesn’t receive the acknowledgment it deserves.
Advanced statistics and tracking methods have improved the evaluation of defensive performance. Metrics like defended field goal percentage and deflected passes offer a more comprehensive view of a player’s defensive abilities. In these advanced metrics, Draymond Green leads with a -6.6 difference in defended field goal percentage, followed by Gobert with -6.0, and Adebayo at 8th with -5.1. Wembanyama and Holmgren also rank high in these metrics.
Adebayo excels in box outs, ranking 2nd in the NBA with 3.1 per game, underscoring his value in preventing opponents from securing rebounds. Despite his defensive prowess, Adebayo’s contributions are often undervalued. Battier’s argument highlights the need for a more equitable assessment method to ensure the rightful recipient of the DPOY award is chosen.
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