Sat Sep 14 00:36:00 UTC 2024: ## Phoenix Suns’ Shawn Marion Snubbed for Defensive Player of the Year in 2005

**Phoenix, AZ -** Shawn Marion, a key player in the Phoenix Suns’ record-breaking 2004-05 season, believes he was robbed of the Defensive Player of the Year award. Despite putting together a stellar defensive campaign, Marion lost out to Detroit Pistons’ Ben Wallace.

“I should have been Defensive Player of the Year that year,” Marion stated. “I went from the wing to guarding a post player the whole year, and did it very well. For me, to get no recognition for that, it was really disheartening.”

Marion’s shift to power forward under Mike D’Antoni’s “Seven Seconds or Less” offense saw him average career highs in rebounds and blocks while also recording 2 steals per game. His ability to guard players from all five positions, despite being undersized at 6’7″, earned praise from teammates like Jason Richardson.

“He was the only person I’d seen at that time give Dirk Nowitzki hell like that, all by himself,” Richardson said. “He averaged a double-double and was an unbelievable rebounder.”

While acknowledging Marion’s exceptional defensive season, the award ultimately went to Wallace, who was already a two-time DPOY winner. Wallace led the league in defensive win shares and ranked third in defensive rating, cementing his dominance on the court.

Despite losing out, Marion’s performance remains a testament to his versatility and defensive prowess. He led the Suns in rebounds and steals, proving that he was a formidable force on both ends of the court. However, in a year where the Pistons boasted a strong defensive unit and Wallace was a defensive force, Marion’s DPOY bid fell short.

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