Photo Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Larry Nance Jr. Compares Anthony Davis And Giannis Antetokounmpo On Defense, Believes Davis Should Win DPOY
Larry Nance Jr. has decided to weigh in on the NBA award winners debate. Nance Jr., who laid out his own picks on Twitter, interestingly named Anthony Davis as his Defensive Player of the Year award winner for the 2019-20 NBA season over Giannis Antetokounmpo.
When his pick was challenged by NBA analyst Kevin O’Conner of the Ringer, Nance didn’t shy away to share the differences between the two players, consequently backing up the Lakers big man for DPOY.
Why AD over Giannis or Gobert for DPOTY? I agree AD should be in the conversation, but I'm curious about your reasoning from the player's perspective to give him the edge over those other two.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 24, 2020
Just from playing I feel like I have to be more aware of where AD is on the court compared to the others. Obviously all ridiculously good, but AD this year was a menace
— Larry Nance (@Larrydn22) July 24, 2020
Yeah, AD was unbelievable. Really makes for an interesting debate since they played such dramatically different roles on defense. Giannis was involved in fewer direct actions due to his off-ball role – like a roaming safety – but he was such a nuance all over the court.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 24, 2020
I think AD had more to clean up after.. Giannis is more of a surprise defender where you lose track of him and he catches you off guard. You always know where AD is and the amount of drives, passes he discourages just by his presence is unmeasurable. Depends on what you prefer.
— Larry Nance (@Larrydn22) July 24, 2020
The Milwaukee Bucks are the best defensive team this season and a huge part of it could be credited to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s been making his presence felt all over the floor throughout the season.
While the Greek Freak is certainly in the spotlight, nothing is completely settled as Antetokounmpo is competing with another defensive beast in Anthony Davis who has been sensational as a fearsome rim protector for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Defensive players such as Rudy Gobert, Kawhi Leonard and Bam Adebayo also get their fair of share of recognition, but it looks like it is is slimming down to a two-man race between Davis and Antetokounmpo for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
