Tyson Chandler wins 2011-2012 Defensive Player of the Year

[SchumiWDC]

The New York Times an Yahoo Sports report that Knicks center Tyson Chandler will win the 2012 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

This comes as no surprise as Chandler was listed at the top of most ballots, including CBSSports.com's Ken Berger's (and my own unofficial listing). Chandler made the biggest impact on changing the defensive culture of the Knicks, anchoring what became a top-five team in defensie efficiency this season. Chandler, not a prolific shot blocker, is proof of what having a veteran player who can challenge at the rim does for you.

It should also be noted that Chandler stands as a textbook example of why not to give up on a player. Chandler joined the New Orleans Hornets after being considered a bust by the Chicago Bulls. With Chris Paul he started to become a solid defensive player and learned how to run the pick and roll. But since then, and especially with the Dallas Mavericks, Chandler has become an absolute force.

He challenges consistently and is able to close out in space as well and shut off angles on the pick and roll. Chandler allowed just 28 percent shooting in isolation from his opponent and just 41 percent in the post this season according to Synergy Sports.

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/ey...er-of-the-year

Congrats Tyson! Very happy to see him win the award this year, and a nice change from Dwight.