If you’ve watched a Raptors 905 game this season: was it even a question? Walter ‘Edy’ Tavares has been named the D-League’s Defensive Player of the Year for the 2016-17 season, which was voted on by the league’s 22 head coaches.
Big up to Big Edy! #RoadToTheSix
— Raptors 905 (@Raptors905) April 18, 2017
Release: https://t.co/FkA7qA1aom pic.twitter.com/RnS7czP0LQ
Tavares was an absolute force on the defensive end, stabilizing the 905’s defense that held opponents to 98.0 points per game, a league-wide low. When Tavares was on the court, the 905 allowed a mere 94.5 points per 100 possessions. On top of that, Tavares averaged an incredible 2.7 blocks per game which was good for the league lead. Tavares also averaged 4.8 defensive rebounds per game along with 0.8 steals per game.
Tavares’ defense was a huge reason why he was one of the best bigs in the D-League. He was so good in fact, he got signed by the NBA’s defending champions, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Congrats to Edy for all the success this season.
Now, the Raptors just have to hope they don’t run into Tavares in the second round.