Fan uproar ensues over Draymond Green missing Defensive Player of the Year title, with Golden State supporters expressing outrage.
It looks like the loyal Warriors' fanbase, particularly Draymond Green's supporters, were left scratching their heads after the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award was handed to Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Green, a seasoned defender with a 13-year career all under the Golden State banner, even finished third in the voting - a surprising outcome for a player who is known for his defensive prowess.
Rumblings of a questionable decision making process in determining this year's winner have been heard among the Warriors faithful. However, it's important to note that Green has garnered controversy throughout his career due to his physical style and his often edgy play.
Although Evan Mobley has been a rising star in the league, with the Cavaliers' first ever Defensive Player of the Year win under his belt, some fans and observers had their eyes set on the young phenom, Victor Wembanyama, to claim the coveted award. Unfortunately for them, Wembanyama was sidelined by a blood clot, leaving the door open for Mobley to seize the opportunity.
Mobley's stats were impressive in the 2023 season, averaging 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.6 blocks, securing 35 first-place votes and appearing on 85 out of 100 ballots. Dyson Daniels of Atlanta took second place with 25 first-place votes, while Green received 15.
Though Mobley's victory this year might have left some discontented, it's worth noting that Green has already secured a DPOY award in 2017 and has been recognized for his defensive skills with nine All-Defensive Team selections throughout his career. If Green can keep up his impressive defensive game heading into the 2024-25 season, another shot at the DPOY trophy could be on the horizon.
Draymond Green's supporters lamented his third-place finish in the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, a position that was won by Evan Mobley despite Green's impressive career as a defensive stalwart for the Golden State Warriors. The questioned decision-making process in choosing the winner stirred debate among the Warriors faithful, highlighting Green's frequent controversy due to his physical style and edgy play. Even with Mobley's impressive 2023 season stats and the impact of Victor Wembanyama's absence, Green's defensive prowess remained evident, with 15 first-place votes, showcasing strong potential for future recognition.
