NBA SIMS LEAGUE DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR WATCH - Week 9
| PLAYER | TEAM | WHY | STATS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | PER 43.28 |  Western 21-26 | Giannis has had a stellar year thus far, amassing huge stat lines on both ends of the court. His defensive output in Week 9 is down on his usual - making less boards, and blocks. However his steal totals were up. The Greek Freak will always remain on this list - his plus/minus was up. A presence of monumental proportions. | 9.1 DREB 1.3 STL 2.1 BLK +5.8 |
 | PER 38.22 |  Eastern 33-16 | What can't this man do! SGA has been elite and driven this team through the year thus far. His Week 9 stats took a hit and so too did the Bucks. He was -6.5 in Week 9 in plus/minus versus his league average of 9.6 - a serious reduction in his influence. He manage 2 steals and 1 blocks with 4 boards. Not the most flattering week for the All-Star guard. | 3.7 DREB 2.0 STL 0.7 BLK +8.3 |
 | PER 38.13 |  Eastern 29-20 | KD isn't usually known for his defensive output, however in Raptors red, he has been exceptional. Season averages of 8 boards, 1 steal, 2 blocks are impressive numbers for a player who is deemed one of the greatest scorers of all time. Week 9 saw him boost those numbers with 10 boards, 1 steal and 3 blocks. Not a one trick pony! | 6.5 DREB 0.9 STL 2.2 BLK +8.1 |
 | PER 36.93 |  Eastern 33-16 | Lebron James is something else! He managed 9 boards, 1 steal and 1 block in Week 9. At his ripe old age, he has been exceptional and managed to steer the Wizards through many games single handedly. His stat lines and efficiency have been outstanding and a big reason that the team are serious contenders for the championship! | 7.0 DREB 1.0 STL 1.8 BLK +7.8 |
 | PER 35.73 |  Eastern 28-21 | Another name, not known for his defensive weaponry, Tatum has had a quality year on both ends. Week 9 was a shining light on his defensive abilities as he manages 1 block, 2 steaks and 5 boards. With a plus/minus of 2, Tatum led the charge - his usual leader persona. | 6.1 DREB 0.7 STL 0.7 BLK +3.3 |
 | PER 32.92 |  Western 30-20 | Joel Embiid - much has been made about his future. But at current the continued impact of him is one to ire. He has been so good; such that his plus/minus is 14. Many teams could only dream of a player putting those types of numbers in on 33 minutes per game. His Week 9 numbers were down, but still high, 15 boards, 1 steal and 3 blocks. Impressive by anyones measure! | 10.2 DREB 1.4 STL 2.4 BLK +6.9 |
 | PER 32.48 |  Western 29-20 | AD! New horizons in the NBA - same ol' AD in the NSL! He had Week 9 totals of 11 boards, 2 steals and 1 block - with a 0.3 plus/minus. Davis is a big reason that Minny and the new GM are humming. His ability to takeover on both ends is well document - his defensive output is slightly down on previous years. Although the Timberwolves still sit pretty in the league standings. | 9.6 DREB 1.3 STL 1.9 BLK +3.2 |
 | PER 30.93 |  Eastern 31-18 | Even before entering the NSL, we knew this man would be featured on this list heavily. He has been elite - in Week 9 especially. He managed to put up 3 blocks, 2 steals and 17 boards per game. He is the leader of the Indiana Pacers, and his impact is immense. | 12.1 DREB 2.2 STL 2.9 BLK +2.9 |
 | PER 30.51 |  Western 33-17 | Ebbs and Flows! Jokic is one of the most consistent players in the league! He managed to uphold his season stats with 2 blocks, 2 steals and 17 boards in Week 9 - the only low-light was his plus/minus. Jokic is the most imperative player on the Rockets lineup, and his defensive and offensive skillset is elite. He has not been as well-supported by his other teammates - something that will unleash him further. | 12.3 DREB 1.5 STL 1.3 BLK +5.4 |
 | PER 22.74 |  Eastern 32-18 | KAT has a new home and is having a phenomenal year! He has been unleashed in a Hornets uniform - Week 9 saw him tally 19 boards, 2 steals and 3 blocks! Massive numbers! Numbers that saw the Hornets punish. His 4.8 plus/minus would have GM Craig thrilled! KAT is making many claims for the DPTY - in the season and this week! | 12.1 DREB 1.7 STL 1.8 BLK +2.4 |