Ben Simmons, the NBA’s leader in steals this season, is not a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. The three finalists announced Saturday are Rudy Gobert, the winner of that award the last two seasons, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis.
A panel of sportswriters and broadcasters voted on the NBA’s awards, which were based on games through March 11. Winners will be announced during the playoffs.
Here’s a look at the finalists for the other awards:
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Philadelphia sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Rookie of the Year
Ja Morant
Zion Williamson
Kendrick Nunn
MVP
Giannis Antetokounmpo
LeBron James
James Harden
Most Improved Player
Luka Doncic
Bam Adebayo
Brandon Ingram
Sixth Man of the Year
Dennis Schroder
Lou Williams
Montrezl Harrell
NBA
Coach of the Year
Nick Nurse
Mike Budenholzer
Billy Donovan
As for Simmons, the 24-year-old, who is currently sidelined by a left patella subluxation, put together a compelling case. Among his more impressive statistics through March 11: First in steals; third in deflections per game; first in defensive loose balls recovered; 42.3 defended field goal percentage. He’s guarded point guards through centers, typically defended the opposition’s top threat late in the game and acquitted himself well against stars.
His exclusion, however, is certainly not an egregious snub given the credentials of the finalists. Antetokounmpo is the best defender on the NBA’s top-rated defense. Davis has 2.3 blocks and 1.4 steals per game, and he’s held opponents to 38.3 percent shooting on field goals he's guarded. Gobert has defended the most field goals in the league and has a 48.2 defended field goal percentage on attempts of six feet or less, second to Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez.
Simmons, one figures, should still feature on an All-Defensive Team for the first time, and it could very well be the First Team.
Subscribe and rate Sixers Talk:
Apple Podcasts / Google Play / Spotify | Stitcher | Art19 | YouTube
Click here to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.