Portland Trail Blazers: Season Awards

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Jusuf Nurkic Portland Trail Blazers Kyrie Irving Boston Celtics (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

Defensive Player of the Year

Defense is definitely a weakness for the Blazers, and their roster lacks defensive talent.

However, Jusuf Nurkic is an exception. The versatile big man averaged 1.4 blocks and 1 steal per game. He is one of only 5 players in the NBA to record those averages this season. The others are Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond, and DeMarcus Cousins.

Opponents are shooting 9.7% worse within 6 feet of the basket when they are defended by Nurkic. That is 12th best in the league (minimum 50 games played).

Nurkic’s toughness is essential to Portland’s success. His 280-pound frame gives him an advantage against smaller big men, and his athleticism and quickness allow him to remain effective outside of the restricted area.

Sure, the Blazers are not an elite defensive team, but Nurkic has kept them from being towards the bottom.

Honorable mention: Al-Farouq Aminu