General Managers from all around the NBA recently took some time to predict which players will win some of the league's annual awards. Amid their polling, the GM's selected Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard and Jazz center Rudy Gobert as their favorites to earn several defensive awards in the 2018-19 season.
For overall best defensive player in the coming season, the GMs were split between Leonard and Gobert. Both are excellent on that end of the floor, so a tie doesn't seem too far out of place here. Last season, Leonard was the outright favorite in this category, garnering 62 percent of the votes from GMs.
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
Rudy Gobert, Utah – 37%
Kawhi Leonard, Toronto – 37%
Draymond Green, Golden State – 17%
Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 7%
Kevin Durant, Golden State – 3%
Last year: Kawhi Leonard – 62%
When it comes to perimeter defense, there are few better in the NBA than Kawhi Leonard. With hands the size of a catchers mitt and a reach longer than most professional boxers, it's easy to see why GMs favor him in this category.
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
Kawhi Leonard, Toronto – 60%
Jimmy Butler, Minnesota – 7%
Draymond Green, Golden State – 7%
Victor Oladipo, Indiana – 7%
Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; Avery Bradley, LA Clippers; Kevin Durant, Golden State; Jrue Holiday, New Orleans; Andre Roberson, Oklahoma City; Klay Thompson, Golden State
Last year: Kawhi Leonard – 72%
Interior defense is where Gobert's game shines, and the GMs recognized that fact in their predictions. The Stifle Tower, as he's come to be known, made 56 appearances with the Jazz during their 2017-18 regular season campaign, racking up averages of 13.5 points on 62.2 percent shooting from the field, 10.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and a whopping 2.3 blocks in 32.4 minutes per outing.
Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?
Rudy Gobert, Utah – 80%
Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 10%
Also receiving votes: Draymond Green, Golden State; Dwight Howard, Washington; DeAndre Jordan, Dallas
Last year: Rudy Gobert – 66%
Do you guys agree with the general managers?
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