Dwight Howard, the three-time defensive player of the year, refutes Kendrick Perkins’ argument that Rudy Gobert defiled the honor. The ESPN expert expressed remorse for selecting the Minnesota Timberwolves center in the award vote. On social media, Howard helps the Frenchman, though.
Gobert defeated Miami Heat player Bam Adebayo and youngster Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs to earn his fourth DPOY trophy. The Wolves center’s defensive toughness from the regular season hasn’t translated to the postseason, and people like Perkins have condemned the celebrity.
Perkins acknowledges and expresses sorrow for voting for Gobert. He claims that, as a result, he will be withdrawing from award voting. Howard spoke out in support of his fellow defensive big man on X.
Howard posted: “The DPOY did belong to someone from France & they still in France right now ! I do believe this was Rudy Gobert’s most deserved DPOY because this is the best defense I seen him play but I think fatigue is weighing down on him & Minnesota!”
Following his defense of Rudy Gobert and assertion that the center’s fourth victory was his most merited, Howard said he narrowly supported Spurs youngster Wembanyama for the DPOY award.
Perkins Earlier Mentioned He Regrets Voting for Rudy Gobert
The media can vote for each season to decide the individual winners. This comprises the DPOY, Rookie of the Year, and Most Valuable Player awards. Since Rudy Gobert hasn’t performed well in the postseason, Perk regrets his vote this season.
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Perkins said, “I have the biggest regret in my media career, I’m retiring from voting for individual awards, regular season awards. Because I have done the disservice in using my voting rights.”
Perk said he felt embarrassed about his choice to support Rudy Gobert. He clarified the pattern of the defensive center underachieving in the postseason, particularly in defense. The former NBA center said that, as a result, his peers do not appreciate the center for the Wolves.
Also Read: VIDEO: Luka Doncic Outmaneuvers Rudy Gobert for Game-Winning Three-Pointer
