NBA Defensive Player of the Year 2020: December Power Rankings

#2 Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been excellent at both ends of the court

Following on from his MVP winning season, Giannis Antetokounmpo has earned a huge amount of praise for his improved offensive performances - although his excellent work on the defensive end has been somewhat ignored. Through 31 appearances, Giannis is averaging a joint career-high in defensive rebounds (10.3), while also averaging 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per contest.

The 25-year-old also has the third-highest defensive win share in the entire NBA, and Antetokounmpo has also been willing to take on the task of guarding the opposition's best player. His quest to earn a second consecutive MVP award could see him overlooked for the DPOY award, although as things stand, few have made more of an impact on the defensive end.

---

#1 Anthony Davis - Los Angeles Lakers

Anthony Davis has transformed the Lakers into contenders following his high-profile trade

Anthony Davis has excelled since completing his offseason trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, and the 26-year-old has been especially impressive on the defensive end. Splitting his time between power forward and center, Davis has been a monstrous force, averaging 6.9 defensive rebounds, 2.6 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game.

Davis' blocking ability has been especially impressive, as the former Pelicans man has executed a number of huge stops at vital points for the Lakers over the first two months of the season, and his presence has been the main factor in transforming LA's defense into one of the best in the Western Conference. Davis has previously only been named to the All-Defensive First Team once, although the Chicago native is on course to be honored for a second team, while also taking home his first DPOY trophy.