Defensive Player of the Year: Tarik Black
It’s really hard to pick a Defensive Player of the Year on a team with the second-worst defensive rating in the NBA. While no one stands out statistically, a few pass the eye test. Tarik Black especially.
Black is a tad undersized for the center position, but don’t tell him that. Despite standing at just 6-foot, Black isn’t scared to go up and contest shots at the rim. In fact, Black is third in the NBA in blocks per game among centers 6-foot-10 and under, only trailing Tristan Thompson and Bismack Biyombo.
Combined, Thompson and Biyombo make around $34.4 million a year. Black makes a fraction of that and can do this:
and this:
His high energy and defensive effort has been crucial in building the Lakers’ bench mob reputation. The Lakers have one of the best backup centers in the NBA and they’re not breaking the bank to keep him around.
Honorable mention: Larry Nance Jr.