The Milwaukee Bucks are, arguably, the best defensive team in the NBA. They are currently second in defensive rating, trailing only the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Bucks have a defensive rating of 107.0 while the Cavs have one of 106.7. In addition, Brook Lopez is currently the betting favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year. Lopez is having a career year defensively, averaging 3.0 blocks per game. He also has contested a league-leading 407 shots. The next closest player has contested 311. However, Grayson Allen is leading the entire NBA in a surprising defensive stat.
Related: As Scoring Surges, the Bucks Defense Remains Elite
Grayson Allen Leads the NBA in Defensive Rating
When someone thinks of the Bucks’ defense, of course Brook Lopez comes to mind. Additionally, Giannis Antetokounmpo has already won a Defensive Player of the Year Award. Both Jrue Holiday and Jevon Carter are considered top-tier defenders as well. It may be surprising, therefore, to find out that Grayson Allen not only leads the team in defensive rating, but also leads the entire NBA.
Grayson Allen leads all eligible players in defensive rating 👀 pic.twitter.com/tGuYtcqEjU
— Bucks Lead (@BucksLead) December 5, 2022
Now, one big question may be: how is defensive rating calculated. There is a formula, but it is quite complicated to explain. This article on Basketball Reference may be helpful. In short, the formula is not perfect in that it assumes that every player on every team is equally effective on defense. However, this imperfection, as the article notes, generally benefits centers and other big men. It usually hurts smaller players like Grayson Allen. Therefore, the fact that Allen leads the entire NBA is this stat is no mathematical fluke. He really is that good.
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