National Basketball Association

Roundtable: Who Will Be the Mavs Defensive Player of the Year?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Mar 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots the ball as Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) defends in the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

A new look roster for the Dallas Mavericks this year has a lot of people excited for a potential lockdown defense. Question is, who will be the Mavs defensive player of the year?

The Dallas Maverick really seem to have put a focus on the defensive side of the court this offseason. For as long as I can remember, the Mavs have been more of a run and gun type system with defensive not being as important as offense.

This style of play was very popular with Don Nelson coached teams and head coaches Avery Johnson and Rick Carlisle have each followed in that style. When the offense runs and moves like the Mavs have, defense can quickly become second fiddle.

Rick Carlisle, of course, has proven that he is a versatile coach that knows the game of basketball better than most. For that reason, the apparent switch in focus for Dallas should not be looked at as a bad thing, but a necessary change.

The new additions to the roster have a chance to really impact the defensive end of the floor and become a force to reckon with in the league. For that reason, our staff decided to discuss who we believe will be the Dallas Mavericks defensive player of the year this coming season. Here are the results.

Andrew Bogut

“When looking at who needs to be the defensive player of the year for Dallas, I have to point the finger at newly acquired veteran center Andrew Bogut. History has shown us that when Dirk Nowitzki is flanked by a defensive minded big man, the Mavericks are a better team. My concerns for Bogut, especially after the 2016 Rio Olympics, have lessened, but his age, miles and injury history does leave a bad taste in my mouth. But nonetheless, Bogut will be a key factor in how good the Mavericks on defensively this season.”

-Eron Ramadanov

“The Mavs defensive player of the year will be Andrew Bogut. Lacking a sufficient rim protector since Tyson Chandler‘s departure, the Mavs will now have a vicious shot blocker who will police the paint if they are even able to get by Wesley Matthews and Harrison Barnes in the first place. Bout will be a huge help rebounding the ball as well.”

-Evan Siegel

Mar 1, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri (50) blocks a shot by Orlando Magic forward Devyn Marble (11) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Magic 121-108. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Salah Mejri

“The defensive player of the year for the Mavs will be Salah Mejri. His rebounding and defensive play last year hopefully is an indication that he will continue it this year. It certainly helps that Mejri comes from the Spanish league where the positions one through five can play offense. Is defending skills in the Spanish league only laid the foundation to be able to defend in the NBA.”

-Ricky Castro

January 14, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr. (7) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 116-98. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Bogut

“Andrew Bogut. This will be a huge part of why he will win the MVP. Andrew Bogut and Salah Mejiri will certainly pick up Dirk’s slack on the defensive end. I see Bogut averaging around 2.5 blocks a game this year. That’s big time.”

-Austin Denius

“Bogut. He’s the best defensive center we’ve had since Tyson Chandler, and will anchor a surprisingly effective defense this year. His shot blocking, physicality, and mean streak is something our defense has been missing for years. He also has good defensive chemistry with Barnes from their days in Oakland, which is a very underrated quality. Since they already know how the other works it’ll shorten up a lot of rotations which will really help Dirk stay afloat defensively. If he stays healthy will be our defensive player of the year.”

-Shawn James

Apr 25, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots the ball over Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) during the second quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Wesley Matthews

“It is tempting to go with one of Dallas’ new defensive studs in Harrison Barnes or Andrew Bogut, but I think Wesley Matthews will be the Mavericks DPOY. As Matthews leaves his achilles injury farther in the past, he will only get better. Not only will he have an increased offensive presence this season, he will improve on his very good defensive game last year and become a true lock-down defender. With the two former Warriors to take some of the pressure off of Matthews, he will be able to have an even bigger impact.”

-Sam Casey

Nov 28, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Justin Anderson (1) defends against Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Nuggets 92-81. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Anderson

“This is a tough pick for me because the Mavericks are really going to need a solid defensive effort from a lot of different players. Bogut will need to lock down the middle while Barnes and Matthews are going to be needed to keep the other teams stars in check. But one name that is going to be overlooked is that of Justin Anderson.

Anderson worked his butt off last year to make it into Rick Carlisle’s rotation and you can bet he will be back in it again this year. Even though he will be coming off the bench for a majority of the season, Anderson will be in charge of keeping the defensive intensity up when the 2nd unit is on the floor. Don’t be surprised to see him in crunch time situations guarding the other team’s best players either. Anderson is going to be a pest for our opponents on a regular basis.”

-Kohl Rast

May 7, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) blocks the shot of Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Bogut

“My defensive player of the year has to be Andrew Bogut, or at least it better be. Bogut comes in as the best overall center since Chandler in the championship run. He is basically the combination of Mejri and Zaza Pachulia from last year. He is a near perfect compliment to Dirk and will lock down the paint this season in Dallas. Now let’s hope he plays at least 70 games.”

-Isaac Harris

Our staff is pretty well in unison when it comes to Andrew Bogut being a major game changer for the Dallas Mavericks defense. Just like Tyson Chandler for the 2011 Championship team, Bogut brings an important presence in the middle that the Mavs have lacked for most of the century.

Wesley Matthews, Salah Mejri, Justin Anderson, and others that didn’t receive votes also play a big role in the team defense that the Mavericks are going to need most nights, but in the end, Bogut presents Dallas with an opportunity to be a defensive powerhouse.