Milwaukee Bucks: 3 things NBA GMs got right in their 2021-22 survey

3 things the GMs got right about the Milwaukee Bucks in their 2021-22 survey: Jrue Holiday gets a big boost

Perhaps my favorite part of the entire survey was the voting for the best perimeter defender. The Bucks’ very own Jrue Holiday received a staggering 50 percent of the vote, more than enough for first place ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers disgruntled star Ben Simmons with 17 percent. It is a well-deserved honor and recognition for Holiday who has long been considered one of the best perimeter defenders by his peers, but the championship run elevated his status among GMs, apparently.

Holiday was only in the “others receiving votes” portion last time they asked this question to GMs and didn’t receive a vote for the best defensive player last year. This year, however, Holiday received 10 percent of the vote for the best defensive player, tied with Kawhi Leonard for third overall. I will say again, anyone who has a full defensive highlight reel from a playoff run should be considered one of the best, if not the best, defenders in the league.

You might be thinking to yourself “well if the Bucks have two players in the top three for best defenders, surely the Bucks as a team got respect for their defense?” and you would be correct! The Bucks were voted as the best defensive team by GMs with 40 percent of the vote, seven percent higher than the Utah Jazz who are second.

The Bucks won the championship on the strength of their terrific defense, led by Antetokounmpo, Holiday, and head coach Mike Budenholzer — who was voted second for best defensive schemes among head coaches.

It’s great to see the Bucks not just get love from front offices around the league, but say they have the best at certain positions or skills.