Saw a really interesting conversation on Halftime (https://halftime.app.link/ball) the other day and thought I'd bring it up here since they mentioned Fox..
Which player do you think will be the most improved defensive player of the year for this coming season? Who do you think will really step it up on that end?
I’m going to throw out a few names who I think could win this award this year, and why..
Jusuf Nurkic: Being further removed from his broken leg and having Robert Covington alongside him should help get the best out of him. I think he’ll greatly improve as the anchor in Portland
DeAndre Ayton: He made big strides last year, and I think he could put it all together this year with CP3 pushing him and a more well-rounded roster around him.
John Collins: Capela’s presence should take some pressure off him, and Collins is fighting to prove he is more than just an efficient scorer in a contract year. Stepping up defensively would greatly improve his value.
De’Aaron Fox: After getting paid, it’s time for Fox to take the next step. This is his team, and I could see him growing into a dog on the defensive end of the floor.
Wendell Carter Jr.: If he can stay healthy, he has all the ability to become the anchor this young team needs defensively. The Billy Donovan hiring should help, as well as getting Otto Porter back and drafting Patrick Williams to make his life easier in the front-court.
Who do you think would win this hypothetical award?
He definitely has the tools and athleticism. Think Fox can become a defensive stopper at his position?
