The Power of Perception in NBA Awards
When it comes to NBA Awards, there’s no denying that the “storyline” behind a player’s season plays a significant role in the voting process. This influence is more pronounced in certain awards, such as MVP and Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), where the narrative surrounding a player’s performance can sway voters.
The Subjective Nature of NBA Awards
The more subjective an award is, the greater the impact of the narrative. This isn’t a conspiracy theory; NBA media voters have openly admitted as much. Take, for instance, the recent MVP battles between Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid, or the current race between Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. To suggest that narratives don’t influence the outcome of these awards is to ignore reality.
The Pitfalls of Blaming the Narrative
While it’s true that narratives play a role in NBA Awards, it’s equally embarrassing when players blame their lack of recognition solely on this factor. This is especially true when the winner has a legitimate case for the award. Two players who come to mind are Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis, who consistently cry foul about their lack of DPOY awards.
Anthony Davis’s Recent Comments
Davis’s latest remarks on the DPOY award are a prime example of this phenomenon. Despite being early in the season, he’s already complaining about a perceived narrative favoring Victor Wembanyama. The notion that Wembanyama’s DPOY hype is solely due to his blocks is misguided and makes Davis look worse. The data clearly shows that Wembanyama is the DPOY leader, with the Spurs boasting a higher-ranked defense than the Lakers when he’s on the court.
Wembanyama’s Defensive Prowess
Wembanyama’s defensive abilities are undeniable. He can guard the perimeter and block shots with the best of them. In fact, he’s recorded six of the seven instances this season where an NBA player has had 7+ blocks in a game. Davis, on the other hand, has none. Wembanyama’s presence also affects opponents’ shot attempts, much like Rudy Gobert’s dominance in the paint.
A Call to Action for Anthony Davis
Instead of blaming the narrative, Davis should focus on improving the Lakers’ defense, which currently ranks 22nd in the league. It’s time for him to stop crying about past snubs and acknowledge Wembanyama’s incredible defensive abilities. Maybe then he’ll understand why Wembanyama is the clear frontrunner for the DPOY award.
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