The Portland Trail Blazers’ defensive improvement has been aided by Jusuf Nurkic holding down the middle and Al-Farouq Aminu staying with more mobile big men. While Blazer fans can debate their roles on offense, one thing is clear: the Blazers’ defensive identity runs through both of these players. Aminu’s ability to play small ball and Nurkic’s presence in the paint has allowed Portland to hold opponents to 103.3 points per game, fifth best in the league.
As awards season approaches, Defensive Player of the Year will be contested by players like Rudy Gobert, Jimmy Butler and Joel Embiid.