Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday want the league to acknowledge just how impactful Brook Lopez has been on the defensive end.

has taken the Memphis Grizzlies’ [defense to another level](https://clutchpoints.com/this-shocking-stat-has-jaren-jackson-jr-in-the-running-for-dpoy), while some voters value the defensive versatility that Miami Heat swiss-army knife Bam Adebayo brings to the table. [Nicolas Claxton has broken out](https://clutchpoints.com/nets-news-nic-claxton-puts-nba-on-notice-with-extremely-confident-dpoy-take) in a huge way, while Toronto Raptors wing [OG Anunoby is garnering some praise](https://clutchpoints.com/raptors-news-pascal-siakams-bold-og-anunoby-take-after-stellar-defense-in-win-vs-trae-young-hawks) as well for his suffocating perimeter defense. Giannis Antetokounmpo has done his best to carry the team on his back amid [Khris Middleton absence](https://clutchpoints.com/bucks-news-khris-middleton-injury-update-remains-concerning) and Jrue Holiday’ shooting struggles as of late. Speaking with reporters following their 111-107 win over the Knicks, Antetokounmpo and Holiday endorsed the man affectionately known as Splash Mountain for Defensive Player of the Year – and for good reason. [major back injury](https://clutchpoints.com/3-reasons-bucks-need-to-be-worried-with-brook-lopez-injury), Brook Lopez has come back with a vengeance during the 2022-23 campaign. [in a rough patch](https://clutchpoints.com/bucks-news-giannis-antetokounmpo-milwaukee-hit-with-concerning-take-after-hornets-loss) as of late, having played inconsistent basketball over the past month or so.