Though DeAndre Jordan received push from his head coach-plus and and Draymond Green seemed to be the heavy favorite at season’s end, neither were named Defensive Player of the Year.
Instead, San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, despite missing 18 games this season, was announced Defensive Player of the Year for the 2014-15 NBA season earlier today, becoming the first wing player to take home the award since Metta World Peace — or the artist formerly known as Ron Artest — did so in 2004.