Avery Bradley isn’t scared of guarding anybody. A season ago Bradley had the most decorated season of his career, being named to the First All-Defensive Team for the first time. Bradley received the most All-Defensive Team votes of any guard in the NBA. Among all players, only Draymond Green and Kawhi Leonard received more votes.
Despite his All-Defensive votes, Bradley finished sixth in voting for Defensive Player of the Year last season. Historically, DPOY has been dominated by frontcourt players; since 1988, Gary Payton is the only guard to have won it.
Bradley takes great pride in his defense, and has his eyes set on winning the award:
Avery Bradley: "That’s my goal, to be defensive player of the year. I feel like it’s possible for me."
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) August 29, 2016
Given the history of guards in this award’s voting, the odds are stacked against Bradley. Players like Kawhi Leonard (who has won it the past two years), Draymond Green, and DeAndre Jordan will all be favored over Bradley. However, Avery Bradley is the best defensive guard in the world. If any guard is going to win that award, it’s him.
