Giannis Antetokounmpo is asked to do everything for Milwaukee on defense, including playing physical defense inside to guard the rim and matching up on speedy point guards at the arc. Mike Budenholzer, the coach of the Bucks, asks because Antetokounmpo is capable of handling the situation—Milwaukee had the league’s top defense this season. Definitely.

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The man Antetokounmpo was guarding this season shot 36.5% from the field, the lowest percentage among the more than 250 players who faced at least 300 shots. Antetokounmpo also shuts men down with his length and quickness.

On TNT, Budenholzer congratulated Giannis on winning the title of Defensive Player of the Year. “His dedication to both winning and defending is absolutely amazing.” His push to do everything on defense, his ability to guard all five positions, his blocked shots, his rebounds, and his chase-down blocks all have an impact on the game.

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This was what was anticipated. Of the 100 first-place votes cast by chosen media representatives, 75 went to Antetokounmpo. Second place went to the Lakers’ Anthony Davis (14 first-place votes), and third place went to Utah’s Rudy Gobert, the two-time DPOY (six first-place votes). Ben Simmons of Philadelphia placed fourth in the voting, while Bam Adebayo of Miami came in fifth.

Andre Drummond received one vote for first place, which turned a few heads. Hassan Whiteside of Miami received the second-place vote. Those are some daring decisions.

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