Mark Cuban believes Shawn Marion deserves serious consideration as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

“It’s not a question if he’s first team,” Cuban said. “The only question is, outside of the center position like a Dwight Howard, is he Defensive Player of the Year? I mean, it’s hard to overlook how Dwight Howard plays defensively, but beyond that, who’s better?

“Name one.”

Marion held Chris Paul to one basket over the final 5:13 of a 96-92 win over the Clippers on Monday night.

“I’m just telling you what the reality is right now,” Cuban said. “There’s nobody who’s better defensively outside the center position than Shawn Marion.”