Giannis Antetokounmpo was a prominent figure in the recently concluded NBA GM survey ahead of the new season. Naturally, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar was voted in on a handful of categories throughout the poll, which quite honestly, should not shock anyone.
This is not the case for Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, however, who is clearly incensed by the fact that Bam Adebayo has been disrespected by league executives yet again.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Voted NBA’s Best Defensive Player
One of the categories that Giannis dominated was the vote for the best defensive player in the league. According to the survey, 40% of general managers in the NBA believe that Antetokounmpo is currently the best defender in the league.
Former Milwaukee star Jrue Holiday is a distant second with 13% of the votes, while Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors and new Memphis Grizzlies recruit Marcus Smart are tied at third with 10% of the votes. The fourth spot was another tie between reigning Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. and Kawhi Leonard, who got 7% of the votes each.
Also receiving votes are Alex Caruso, Anthony Davis, Luguentz Dort, and Rudy Gobert.
Erik Spoelstra Sounds Off on Bam Adebayo Disrespect
For his part, Erik Spoelstra finds it extremely hard to fathom how Bam Adebayo did not even get a single vote in this particular category. In a recent interview with Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, the Heat head coach aired his frustration with how the GMs voted:
“That one is unbelievable to me,” said Spoelstra (h/t Jackson Stone of ClutchPoints). “I think Bam is the best defensive player in the league and I just can’t understand why he’s not recognized for how impactful he is on that end of the court. So he’s just going to have to prove it again and just do it this year until everybody notices. I think that’s a good award to go for.”
The man has a point. Coach Spo isn’t questioning the fact that Giannis has been dubbed as the best defender in the league. His gripe stems from how league execs have completely overlooked Adebayo.
Then again, the Heat are used to being the underdogs at this point. As Spoelstra said, this will only motivate Adebayo more as he looks to prove his doubters wrong.
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