Two Celtics cited among NBA’s best defenders — and one is likely a surprise to Boston fans

While one of the two is a no-brainer, the other might sneak up on some fans.

With the top-rated defense in the NBA, it makes sense that the Boston Celtics are finally starting to get some love when it comes to the coveted Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award. In fact, it would be a bit incredulous for at least one of the team’s several stalwart defenders to not be in the conversation given their identity and current case as a contender is built around that side of the ball.

But there is a very good case that the best defender on the team plays a position that — at least historically — has not had much in the way of success of taking home that particular piece of hardware, though there’s a solid chance multiple Celtics could end up on an All-Defense team even still.

A new article by Basketball News’ Mark Schindler took a closer look at how the league’s defensive honors may be apportioned by season’s end, with some Boston players properly featured in the conversation.