As far as the conversation for the frontrunners for Defensive Player of the Year award this season, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Anthony Davis and two-time winner Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz are probably at the top of most people's lists. But as far as Milwaukee Bucks point guard Eric Bledsoe is concerned, his teammate Brook Lopez should win the award this 2019-20 campaign.
Bledsoe, who averages 15.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists for the league-leading Bucks this season, bared his fearless forecast after their win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe on Brook Lopez: "I think he is the Defensive Player of the Year."
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 19, 2020
Brook Lopez does seem to be fitting in quite nicely in his first year playing in Wisconsin. The seven-foot beanpole has been anchoring the team's strong interior presence so far, averaging a career-best 2.5 blocks per game this season (third in the league).
In fact, in their 117-97 win over the Nets, Lopez finished with five blocks on top of 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Lopez has assumed the role of starting center for head coach Mike Budenholzer and is averaging 10.2 points on 41.5 percent shooting from the field and 29.9 percent from downtown. He has also managed to stay on the floor, playing in 42 of Milwaukee's 44 games so far.
Eric Bledsoe's claims, meanwhile, is quite a stretch considering there are plenty of players making more meaningful defensive contributions to the Bucks at the moment. Some can argue that Brook is not even the best defender in the roster, as All-Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton are amazing defenders in their own right.
Brook Lopez does emit an intimidating aura down low and can be a good help defender at times. His lengthy wingspan and impeccable timing make up for his mobility issues, which will definitely be an asset for the championship-seeking Bucks come playoff time.
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