New York Knicks: Handing out awards at quarter-mark of 2017-18 season

5 of 6

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 03: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks blocks a shot by Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns after Jackson stole the ball from Porzingis in the previous play as teammate Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks defends and Tyson Chandler #4 of the Phoenix Suns looks on at Madison Square Garden on November 3, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Defensive Player of the Year: Kristaps Porzingis

The foundation for the hype surrounding Kristaps Porzingis has been his brilliance on the offensive end of the floor. Over the course of the first 21 games, however, Porzingis has been almost equally as effective on defense.

The New York Knicks have a number of viable candidates for this award, but Porzingis is the clear choice when one weighs all factors.

Porzingis currently leads all NBA players with an average of 2.11 blocks per game. That could put him in the overall discussion for Defensive Player of the Year, but voters will likely need to experience more team success.

As it pertains to the Knicks, however, Porzingis is the clear winner of the award that should honor his undeniably positive impact on the team’s defense.

Lance Thomas has quite the case to make here, but Porzingis plays more than twice as many minutes. The Knicks are 1.7 points per 100 possessions better on defense when Porzingis is on the floor, but even that fails to reflect his brilliance.

Porzingis is the Knicks’ Player of the Year on both ends of the floor through 21 games—and his mere presence on the court ensures that award on defense.

Home/Knicks News