Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo May Not Be DPOY, But Rudy Gobert Isn’t Either

Miami Heat: DPOY Is More ‘Art’ Than ‘Science’ And Has To Be Treated As Such

That’s where the difference in criteria comes in. You have to ask, “how are the voters looking at it?”

That spectrum of individual lockdown talent versus team contribution is the dilemma here. Perimeter defenders aren’t seen as rim protectors and therefore aren’t considered as much for the award, but just because someone isn’t at the rim doesn’t mean they aren’t contributing.

Point of attack defense can have just as much of an impact, it’s just not something that is easily countable. Again, how do you keep track of what didn’t happen?

It’s a difficult task, for any player, to do what Gobert does. And I can’t fault a voter for seeing the immense value in what he gives, but what about these other players that aren’t rim protectors?

Kawhi Leonard won the award some years ago, but is that because he was just that good on the perimeter and played enough in the frontcourt to have us blown away? That’s, kind of, what happened when Giannis Antetokounmpo won too.

Why does that earn more votes one year but not another? Perhaps, another one of those Miami Heat things?

Ok, to be fair, Bam Adebayo did miss 22 games or so with a thumb injury for his Miami Heat. However, that’s where it all comes back to the voter’s perspective.

You don’t want voters to be put in a box, you really don’t. But basketball is such an expressive sport and therefore, should have things left open to interpretation.

However, you also would have to say that some voters are putting themselves in that box by only picking Gobert. Ultimately, it leaves you conflicted because you want more definitive guidelines on the voting.

But—and a big “but”, you want there to be some artistry, different perspectives, and opinions. Because that matters too.