10 contenders for Defensive Player of the Year

The VTB United League will once again hand out several individual awards this season. After checking out the candidates for 6th Man of the Year, we take a look at Defensive Player of the Year.

Every successful team knows how to play defense and relies on lockdown defenders to set an example for the rest of the squad. Defensive players are asked to do a lot: pressure the ball, block shots, secure steals, provide help defense...

VTB-League.com singles out 10 players (listed alphabetically) that are in contention for the 2014-15 VTB United League Defensive Player of the Year.

Derrick Brown, Lokomotiv-Kuban forward

Derrick Brown and Anthony Randolph anchor Kuban's defense. Brown has enjoyed a terrific season under new head coach Sergei Bazarevich. The American big man provides excellent help defense and effectively patrols the paint. He leads Loko in steals (1.3 per game), ranks second in rebounding (5.5 per game), both evidence of his versatility.

Andrey Vorontsevich, CSKA forward

Vorontsevich has made a big step forward in his career this season and currently headlines the CSKA's formidable defense. He's remarkably flexible, capable of locking down opposing players one-on-one, while sliding over on help defense whenever needed. He's a solid blocker and rebounder and knows how to be in the right spot at the right time. Vorontsevich can defend opposing forwards, as well as center and guards in a pinch. He has great footwork for his size, allowing him to keep much smaller players in front of him. All of this makes Vorontsevich an extremely important figure for Dimitris Itoudis.

Aaron Jackson, CSKA guard

Jackson was primarily known as a scorer when he joined CSKA, but he's improved dramatically on the other side of the ball. The Army Men have enough weapons on offense; they need Jackson for lockdown individual defense. When the team needs to apply suffocating pressure and force a mistake, Jackson often gets the call. He's athletic, competitive and not afraid of contact, making him an invaluable member of CSKA's defense.

Tarence Kinsey, Nizhny Novgorod forward

The American forward is Nizhny Novgorod's most reliable defender and ranks in the league's top three for steals per game (1.89). While Parakhouski anchors the team defense, Kinsey takes care of individual assignments. Ainars Bagatskis knows he can trust Kinsey to shut down an opposing scorer thanks to the forward's wingspan, mobility and speed.

Dmitry Kulagin, Zenit guard

Not that long ago, Kulagin was seen as one dimensional--capable of scoring, but a mediocre defender. He's improved considerably in recent seasons, pairing explosive offense with a mature defensive game. Head coach Vasily Karasev often brings Kulagin in for specific defensive assignments, including in a recent game against UNICS. The young Russian guard was charged with defending Curtis Jerrells in the final minutes of regulation and overtime and handled the job beautifully, helping Zenit secure the win.

Artsiom Parakhouski, Nizhny Novgorod center

Parakhouski is charged with patrolling the paint for Nizhny Novgorod, where he's extemely effective on defense. He's tough to move, knows how to help out his teammates, keeps opposing guards from driving the basket and is among the league leaders in blocked shots (1.91 per game).

Anthony Randolph, Lokomotiv-Kuban forward

There was some skepticism concerning Randolph's defense when he signed with Lokomotiv. No one doubts him anymore. He's found his place on defense and on offense and puts his height, wingspan and vertical to devastating use. Randolph's presence under the basket forces the opponent to change its game plan. Opposing players might be able to back him down, but they can't get away from him or shoot over the top. He currently leads the league in blocks (1.95 per game).

Janis Timma, VEF forward

Timma has a been a major revelation this season. The young Latvian forward is improving day-by-day and already possesses a very versatile game. Technically a small forward, he can bang in the paint and cover guards on the perimeter. Thanks to his strength, he's able to hold his own under the basket and rebound the ball. His understanding of the game, meanwhile, leads to a lot of steals. Not surprisingly, Timma is one of the few players on VEF's roster with a positive +/- rating.

D'or Fischer, UNICS center

Fischer has played an important role in UNICS's defensive schemes this season. Evgeny Pashutin's system is built on mobility, frequent switching, help defense and lots of double teams. That's where Fischer is so effective. The experienced American center knows how to establish position and adjust to situations on the fly. He's also in great shape and able to come out to the perimeter when needed. Of course, UNICS's defensive success is predicated on teamwork, but it's less effective without Fischer.

Tyler Honeycutt, Khimki forward

Honeycutt has been very effective in different aspects of the game. A terrific athlete, Honeycutt plays a lot of minutes for Khimki, giving Moscow Region added strength and toughness on defense at the small forward position. He's got big man and guard skills, equally capable of rebounding the ball and snagging steals, and often starts fast breaks. Honeycutt is also known for his demoralizing blocks.