Zo has been one of the best defensive players this year, as he has had taken away numerous points from opposing players, however, right now the front runner looks to be Camby. When Shaq comes back, you'll see Zo's minutes go down, as well as his production, but his impact on opposing teams will remain the same. He changes shots, changes plays, and makes the defense adjust. He's been a nice story thus far, but I can't see him getting the DPOY. Frankly, I don't care much if he does or doesn't win the award, as a Heat fan. If he can give this effort and provide this impact for the majority of the season, and step up like he is now when Shaq is not available, then I'll be very satisfied.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Heat4Life:</div><div class="quote_post">Perimeter defense and interior defense are two different things. Zo's defense has a far bigger impact on the game and really forces the opponent to adjust their offense. And while they do play a big role in guarding perimeter players, you really can't compare the two.</div> You're absolutely right, but blocking a big man's shot is not defending him..it's blocking his shot. Smothering him and forcing him into bad shots 70% of the time is better than getting a block one out of every nine times he shoots the ball.
One thing you have to remember is that Both Ben and Zo are undersized centers. Nonetheless, they own the oppoenent in defense. If the season ended today, I think Zo will win the DPOY but we'll see how far he can go this season without injury or breaking down from fatigue.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting WadeDynasty:</div><div class="quote_post">we'll see how far he can go this season without injury or breaking down from fatigue.</div> Not to mention that he'll be back on the bench once Shaq returns.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Heat4Life:</div><div class="quote_post">''It was an unbelievable block,'' Wade said. ``He's probably the best defender in the league, probably the front-runner for Defensive Player of the Year right now just by the way he changes the game. He blocked nine shots, but he changed more shots than that.'' Zo should win the DPOY. This league has gotten so accustomed to Ben Wallace that they forgot what a real DPOY is like. Per minute, Zo is a more productive player than Ben Wallace. Plus, Zo doesn't have the benefit of being surrounded by 4 great defenders like Ben does. Zo is the best defender on the Heat team, period. You can't say that about Ben.</div> i sure as hell can say ben's the best PLAYER and DEEFENSIVE PLAYER on the pistons and the best defender in the league, you know why? because he still gets all those blocks and all those steals and all those rebounds when his team is amazing at all 3...
Lets ask Vince Carter what he thinks about Zo's D. But no he is really stepping it up in the inside. But I would have to go with Bruce Bowen cuz hes the best perimeter defender in the game and gaurds the teams superstars night after night..
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting TheAnswer2:</div><div class="quote_post">You're absolutely right, but blocking a big man's shot is not defending him..it's blocking his shot. Smothering him and forcing him into bad shots 70% of the time is better than getting a block one out of every nine times he shoots the ball.</div> Since when is blocking someone not playing defense? Zo plays good D not only blocking but he stays with his man you gotta admit, what; you want Zo, a center to go out and steal it or something? Also I understand blocking isn't the only defensive thing, but last couple of years the people who have won the defensive player of the year have been big men that are known for blocks.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting TheTruth5:</div><div class="quote_post">Since when is blocking someone not playing defense? Zo plays good D not only blocking but he stays with his man you gotta admit, what; you want Zo, a center to go out and steal it or something? Also I understand blocking isn't the only defensive thing, but last couple of years the people who have won the defensive player of the year have been big men that are known for blocks.</div> It IS playing defense, but a high percentage of his blocks can be from blocking penetrating guards, not the C he's supposed to be shutting down.
Right now Alonzo is my Defensive Player of the Year. Highly doubtful he'll keep up this play and Shaqs return will cost him too. Maybe he could get 6th Man of the Year when its all said and done?
Zo is a top 5 defender in today's game, but what I love is he contests EVERY shot...he is a throwback to the old school defensive ball style of stepping in every path and trying to block every shot...he definitely earns his blocks and is a defensive intimidator that is rare in the NBA...
