Each year, the debate over who deserves the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year Award never fails to ignite some heated conversation. But this year, Hassan Whiteside appears to be placing himself in the midst of that conversation.
He’s been exceptional on the defensive side of things for a Portland Trail Blazers team infamous for a high-powered offense and rather lackluster defense. Whiteside has been forced to single-handedly prop up Portland in the paint, and he’s finally earning some well-deserved attention for his efforts.
Whiteside was ecstatic about the opportunity to play in Portland and he got off to a good start, but recently he’s been exceptional.