Defensive Player of The (Mid)Year
Josh Magette – Los Angeles D-Fenders
This was the toughest category to try and decide on one single player. Magette is the life force of the D-Fenders on the defensive end. He is the catalyst for a lot of what the team attempts to accomplish as he challenges the perimeter and pesters opposing guards.

Leading the D-League in steals per game (2.6), Magette is not intimidated going up against bigger and sometimes stronger D-League players.

With a net rating of +5.3, Magette competes on every single possession and makes his presence felt by constantly pursuing the basketball and constantly applying pressure.

Though their record may not show it (14-14), this is a team that is still in the playoff hunt and is looking to improve in the second half of the season for that postseason push. If they’re going to get there, it’ll be in large part to Magette’s contributions.

Others for consideration: DeAndre Liggins, Jordan Bachynski

Jordan Bachynski - Westchester Knicks

A year after bouncing around from Arizona State University to Turkey and then to the D-League, Bachynski has found some much needed stability in his first full season with the Knicks. Currently averaging 13.3 points per game on nearly 60% shooting to go along with 6.7 rebounds and 2 blocks, his numbers don't necessarily jump off of the page but he has still made a large impact on the team that goes beyond the box score.

A Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year during his senior season, Bachynski has been the anchor of a Knicks defense that ranks second in the league in points allowed per game. The roster for the Eastern Conference was loaded in the front court, but Bachynski's impact on both sides of the ball warrants an All-Star nod