Deyonta Davis named 2 Ways & 10 Days Defensive Player of the Year

2016 NBA Draft Pick reclaims NBA opportunity with play in Santa Cruz

It’s only fitting that the defensive player of the year comes from the team that had the best defensive rating in the league.

Deyonta Davis was the anchor for the Santa Cruz Warriors that allowed them to force the most turnovers per game, as well as the most steals (10.8) behind the best defensive rating in the league.

The Warriors possessed a defensive rating below 100 for a near majority of the season. Their rating was still tops at 100.3 at the conclusion of the regular season last week.

Davis was instrumental in that success. His ability to patrol the paint allowed the Warriors to pressure the perimeter, jump the passing lanes, and ultimately lead to transition buckets.

February was a turning point offensively for Davis, as he averaged 15.7 points and 11.3 rebounds per game on 60.8% from the field. Davis finished the year with a personal defensive rating of 95 for the Sea Dubs. He also averaged 2.3 blocks per game in that span. That rating dropped to as low as 90.3 for the month of December.

Davis earned himself a 10-day contract with the Atlanta Hawks on Mar. 19, an accomplishment in its own right as Davis fought to get back in the league this season.

Without the play of Davis, the defensive prowess of this team would not have been possible. They would have not have held teams to under 100 points 18 times this season.

Honorable Mention — Gary Payton II (RGV Vipers)

Editor’s Note: The author of this article currently serves as the courtside reporter for the Santa Cruz Warriors.