As the old saying goes, “Defense wins championships”, and the race for Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) is heating up as the 2024-25 season unfolds. The NBA’s best defenders, including Victor Wembanyama in the post to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the perimeter, are leaving their mark nightly.
In an era of high-scoring offense, some players in the league are proving that defense is still an art form. As we dive into the top 10 DPOY candidates, a question arises: Will Wembanyama’s historic season cement his place in history, or will a budding star steal the spotlight?
1. Victor Wembanyama
2024-25 Defensive Stats: 10.7 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 3.9 BPG, 2.4 DWS, 3.5 DBPM
In his second NBA season, Victor Wembanyama has redefined what a defensive centerpiece can be because he is nearly impossible to score against in the paint. Averaging 10.7 rebounds, a league-leading 3.9 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game, Wembanyama’s ability to control the paint has made the Spurs the 13th-best defensive team.
His 3.5 Defensive Box Plus-Minus (DBPM) leads all players, and his highlight-reel blocks against some of the league’s best scorers have already become a nightly expectation. If Wembanyama sustains this level of dominance, Wembanyama will likely set a new benchmark for what’s to come because he could end up becoming the youngest DPOY winner of all time.
2. Evan Mobley
2024-25 Defensive Stats: 8.9 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.9 DWS, 1.3 DBPM
Evan Mobley has emerged as one of the most versatile defenders in the league and he is having the best season of his career. This season, Mobley is averaging 8.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game while leading Cleveland’s 9th-ranked defense in terms of defensive rating with the best record in the NBA. His ability to cover ground and protect the rim has been instrumental in the Cavaliers’ success, as they allow just 11.3 points per game, the second-best mark in the league.
What separates Mobley from other elite defenders is his seamless adaptability. Switching onto a shifty guard or battling in the post against bruising bigs, Mobley thrives in any matchup. His 1.9 Defensive Win Shares (DWS) highlight his importance to Cleveland’s defensive schemes, and as his offensive game continues to develop, Mobley is proving that he’s the main DPOY contender behind Victor Wembanyama.
3. Jaren Jackson Jr.
2024-25 Defensive Stats: 6.4 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 2.1 DWS, 1.4 DBPM
The 2022-23 DPOY winner, Jaren Jackson Jr., is making another strong case with his elite shot-blocking and positional awareness. Jackson is averaging 1.7 blocks and 1.5 steals per game, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays both in the paint and on the perimeter.
While his 6.4 rebounds per game may not stand out, his defensive versatility has been critical in keeping Memphis competitive as the third seed in the West. Jackson’s defensive instincts and timing remain unparalleled, as he is spearheading the Grizzlies team with a 5th-ranked defensive rating (109.6).
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
2024-25 Defensive Stats: 5.5 RPG, 2.0 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 3.0 DWS, 3.4 DBPM
Along with being a dominant scorer and the leading MVP candidate, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has quietly developed into one of the NBA’s premier perimeter defenders. He’s averaging a (tied with last year) career-high 2.0 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, along with a staggering 3.4 DBPM.
Shai’s ability to anticipate passing lanes and disrupt plays has made Oklahoma City one of the most opportunistic defensive teams in the league. The Thunder rank 2nd in opponents points per game (OPPG), allowing 103.4 points per game while also ranking 1st in defensive rating (103.6). On a team with many elite defenders, SGA is shining brightest right now.
5. Rudy Gobert
2024-25 Defensive Stats: 10.5 RPG, 0.6 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 2.1 DWS, 1.1 DBPM
Rudy Gobert remains one of the NBA’s most reliable defensive anchors, averaging 10.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. While Minnesota has struggled offensively at times this season, Gobert’s presence in the paint continues to lead the team’s 4th-ranked defense (107.6 OPPG).
While his raw stats are impressive, Gobert’s advanced metrics tell the full story of his impact. His 2.3 DWS and 1.5 DBPM highlight his continued effectiveness as a defensive stalwart. With the Timberwolves hovering around playoff contention with a stout defense, four-time DPOY winner Gobert deserves his credit.
6. Bam Adebayo
2024-25 Defensive Stats: 10.5 RPG, 0.6 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 2.1 DWS, 1.1 DBPM
Bam Adebayo has been the defensive backbone of the Miami Heat, a team that has struggled with plenty of distractions stemming from Jimmy Butler’s unwillingness to be happy in his situation. Averaging 10.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, Adebayo’s ability to contest shots in the paint while comfortably switching onto guards makes him invaluable.
Miami ranks in the top 10 defensively (7th OPPG, 10th defensive rating), and Bam’s presence in key matchups has often tilted games in their favor. As a perennial DPOY contender over the past few seasons, Adebayo remains one of the most respected defenders in the league and is just outside the top five in the DPOY ranking this season.
7. Luguentz Dort
2024-25 Defensive Stats: 4.4 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 2.0 DWS, 1.2 DBPM
Luguentz Dort has solidified himself as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, pestering opposing stars night after night. With 1.2 steals per game and a 1.2 DBPM, Dort’s defensive impact goes beyond the stat sheet. Oklahoma City’s defense thrives when he’s on the court and the team is fortunate to have more than one elite defender on the team.
What makes Dort special is his ability to take on the league’s toughest assignments, often shadowing elite scorers for entire games. His strong frame and quick feet allow him to contest shots effectively and force turnovers, giving OKC a defensive edge. With the NBA’s best defense, Dort deserves his consideration.
8. Jalen Williams
2024-25 Defensive Stats: 5.7 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 2.7 DWS, 2.0 DBPM
Jalen Williams is another player in the top 10 in DPOY running for the Thunder, making significant strides on the defensive end. Averaging 1.7 steals and 0.7 blocks per game, Williams has shown a knack for disrupting plays and converting defense into offense.
His 2.7 Defensive Win Shares highlight his value to OKC’s defensive schemes, where he often guards multiple positions. Williams’ length and instincts allow him to excel both on and off the ball, whether it’s jumping passing lanes or rotating to protect the rim. Not to mention, Williams admitted that he wishes the NBA awarded two DPOY trophies per season, and he might have a point there as well.
9. Dyson Daniels
2024-25 Defensive Stats: 4.9 RPG, 3.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 1.5 DWS, 2.4 DBPM
Dyson Daniels has turned heads this season with his elite defensive instincts, leading the league with 3.1 steals per game. His 2.4 DBPM underscores his ability to impact games on that end of the floor, making him a cornerstone of the Atlanta Hawks’ defense. Daniels’ length and quickness have made him a nightmare for ball handlers, forcing turnovers and disrupting passing lanes.
Despite being just 21, Daniels plays with the poise of a seasoned defender, excelling in one-on-one matchups and team-oriented schemes. The only reason Daniels doesn’t rank higher despite his excellent defensive stats is because the Hawks rank 28th in OPPG (119.8) and 25th in defensive rating (115.1).
10. Draymond Green
2024-25 Defensive Stats: 6.2 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 1.5 DWS, 2.4 DBPM
Draymond Green remains the heart and soul of Golden State’s defense, bringing his trademark intensity and intelligence to every game. Averaging 6.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game, Green’s ability to orchestrate the Warriors’ schemes keeps them competitive on that end of the floor.
His 2.4 DBPM reflects his continued excellence as one of the league’s smartest defenders, as the Warriors rank 8th in defense (110.6 OPPG, 111.0 defensive rating). At 34, Green remains a defensive maestro, proving his value as one of the league’s all-time great defenders and still one of the most consistent in the league right now.
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