The 2024-25 NBA regular season is nearing its conclusion, with only a few weeks remaining before the start of the playoffs. As a result, several debates are intensifying, including the race for league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. Boston Celtics legend Kevin Garnett weighed in on the conversation, adding a surprising name to the discussion, one that could rival Draymond Green.
“If I’m being honest, bro, I actually think Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander) doesn’t get enough credit,” Garnett said during a conversation with Paul Pierce and Tony Allen on the Ticket and The Truth podcast, when asked about Green’s chances of winning the award. “I think Shai’s offense shadows his defense. You don’t see the deflections, you don’t see his steals.”
Garnett also suggested that the Oklahoma City Thunder star could achieve something historic this season. “I actually thought he was one of the very rare players who has the chance to win MVP and still be in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year,” the former center noted. “He’s that active.”
On Gilgeous-Alexander’s qualities, Kevin reiterated: “We underestimate steals, deflections, and (expletive) like that.” He concluded: “I like Shai, man, and I think it’s something for him to even be considered Defensive Player of the Year.”
Shai’s numbers
Kevin Garnett makes a valid point when he discusses how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive prowess often overshadows his contributions on the defensive end. It’s understandable, given that Shai is on track to become the NBA’s scoring champion this season, leading the league in points per game with an impressive career-high of 32.9.
On the defensive side, the guard isn’t performing too shabby either: he ranks ninth in the league in steals, averaging 1.8 per game. However, he’s far behind Atlanta Hawks’ Dyson Daniels, who leads the category with 3.1 steals per game.
Garnett highlights other defensive players
Although the debate started around the supposed favoritism that Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has for the Defensive Player of the Year award, Kevin Garnett made it clear that he has other players in mind. “Surprisingly, I like the kid out of Denver, (Christian) Braun. He’s a lock-up artist, I’ve seen him a couple of times play some real caps and slow them down,” Garnett said, referring to the young shooting guard.
Later, KG clarified his ranking. “I think Wemby (Victor Wembanyama) should get it. I think Wemby has had eight blocks four times this year, which is unheard of in our league. That’s David Robinson-ish, Hakeem Olajuwon. It’s his award. Wemby should win Defensive Player of the Year,” Garnett stated confidently. “If not him, Jaren Jackson or Shai. Those are my three.”
SURVEY Can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander compete for Defensive Player of the Year?
Can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander compete for Defensive Player of the Year?
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