Draymond, Kawhi, Gobert highlight DPOY finalists
The three finalists for Defensive Player of the Year are Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, and Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, the league announced Friday.
Despite carrying more of the Spurs' offensive load this season, Leonard remained a force on the other end of the floor, often locking down the opposing team's best player. The two-time winner averaged 1.8 steals and 0.7 blocks, while ranking sixth in the league in defensive win shares.
Gobert was the anchor behind the league's third-best defense, helping the Jazz surrender just 102.7 points per 100 possessions. The 24-year-old finished first in the league in blocks per game, and averaged 8.9 defensive rebounds.
After serving as the DPOY runner-up the past two seasons, Green is hoping 2016-17 marks the year he finally takes home the hardware. The All-NBA forward finished first in the NBA in defensive box plus-minus (5.0), second in defensive win shares (6.0), and second in defensive rating (99.1).
This year's winner will be announced on June 26 at Basketball City at Pier 36 in New York City.