NBA 2017-18: 5 Defensive Player of the Year candidates 

#3 Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard

With just six years experience under his belt, and just 26 years old, Kawhi Leonard is probably still approaching his prime. He's already been named the DPOY twice, winning it in consecutive years in 2015 and 2016. His defense is not a product of any system or anything like that. Leonard is just gifted with huge hands and has the amazing agility to go with his physique.

Leonard finished third last year in DPOY voting, and this year as well he could finish at that position. Offensively there is just too much pressure on him to lead the San Antonio Spurs that what he isn't able to put his entire defensive arsenal on display.

Last year too, he was voted in third because the standard of defensive talent in the league falls off a cliff after the first three players. What hurts his case more is the current hamstring injury he is nursing, which has forced him to sit out the entire preseason.