Lake Show Life Staff Picks For End-of-Season NBA Awards

Jan 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) hugs Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) after the Rockets defeated the City Thunder at Toyota Center. Houston Rockets won 118 to 116 .Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) hugs Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) after the Rockets defeated the City Thunder at Toyota Center. Houston Rockets won 118 to 116 .Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
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Defensive Player of the Year: Draymond Green

Apr 10, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts after being called for a technical during the third quarter against Utah Jazz at Oracle Arena. The Jazz won 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts after being called for a technical during the third quarter against Utah Jazz at Oracle Arena. The Jazz won 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mentions: Rudy Gobert, Kawhi Leonard

It’s been a long time coming for Draymond Green. For the past three years, Green has been a pest on defense with the ability to guard multiple positions. Last year, he was in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year but some guy named Kawhi Leonard kept putting out his fire.

This year, Dray should be the one taking it home.

While Leonard is still the dominant defender he was last year, he is being asked to do more on offense with Tim Duncan gone and Tony Parker aging like stinky cheese.

If Green can stay out of trouble, he should have no problem leading the Warriors to yet another Finals appearance. That’s one big if, unfortunately.