Mark Jackson has said that Andrew Bogut should be considered for the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award this season.

The Golden State Warriors have the fourth-best defensive record in the league, which is a vast improvement from last year's 13th.

The head coach told The AP: "He's been spectacular, protecting the paint, setting screens, rebounding the basketball, being a leader, being durable.

"If he's not here, you're asking basically a power forward to be a [center], and to do it for a lengthy period of time is a recipe for disaster. But he's been awesome, and certainly should be in the discussion for defensive player of the year."

Bogut has averaged 8.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game this season.