Not long ago, Milwaukee Bucks standout Giannis Antetokounmpo was named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year. This is why it was surprising when the eight-time All-Star was left out of this year’s NBA All-Defensive squad.
Technically, Antetokounmpo received numerous votes for the squad, but it’s difficult to dispute that the quantity of votes reflects Giannis’ great defensive performance that went unrecognized this season.
Milwaukee Bucks news: Giannis Antetokounmpo snubbed for the All-Defense Team
Rudy Gobert, the newly awarded Defensive Player of the Year, and Victor Wembanyama, the Rookie of the Year, headline the NBA All-Defensive First Team for 2023-24. Bam Adebayo, Anthony Davis, and rookie Herb Jones join them on the list of the league’s best defenders.
While none of the five players named above are surprising, the fact that Giannis received only 15 total votes must be an unexpected development — at least for those who value what the former back-to-back MVP brings to the table on defense.
Giannis did not make the All-Defense second team, but he was chosen the league’s 16th best defender this season.
For what it’s worth, Brook Lopez received eight votes, and in another surprise twist of destiny, Bucks center Bobby Portis received one second-place vote. Portis isn’t very well-known for his defense, thus his inclusion on the list is quite surprising.
Whatever the case, Giannis will return with a vengeance next season. He will be on a mission to remind the basketball world that he still one of the most dominant players in the NBA today, on both ends of the court.
