The race for the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award in the 2024-25 NBA season is heating up, with several players making strong cases through game-changing defensive impact. Towering shot-blockers like Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama seem to be the main contenders all season long while versatile defenders like Bam Adebayo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander challenge them, so let’s rank the 10 top players in the DPOY race.
1. Chet Holmgren
Defensive Stats: 9.7 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 3.1 BPG, 5.3 DBPM, 0.8 DWS
Chet Holmgren has been a defensive powerhouse for the Thunder, with numbers that showcase his elite shot-blocking skills and overall defensive presence. Averaging 3.1 blocks per game, Holmgren anchors the paint with precision, swatting away shots and altering many more. There is a reason why the Thunder rank 1st in defense, allowing only 95.9 points per game.
His ability to cover ground and contest shots has made him one of the toughest players for opponents to score over, and his 5.3 Defensive Box Plus-Minus (DBPM) reflects his impact on that end of the floor. Holmgren is on a clear path toward solidifying himself as one of the premier rim protectors in the league, and his Defensive Win Shares (DWS) of 0.8 further highlight his contributions.
2. Victor Wembanyama
Defensive Stats: 10.3 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 3.9 BPG, 3.3 DBPM, 0.6 DWS
Victor Wembanyama continues to live up to his generational talent hype, especially on the defensive side. His astonishing 3.9 blocks per game make him the NBA’s top shot-blocker so far, and his long reach paired with impeccable timing makes him a near-impossible challenge for attackers.
His rebounding numbers (10.3 RPG) reflect his dominance on the glass, especially defensively, where he limits second-chance opportunities. With a DBPM of 3.3, Wembanyama is rightfully a favorite in the DPOY conversation this season.
Not only does Wembanyama contest shots at the rim, but he also impacts mid-range and perimeter shots due to his mobility and wingspan. As he continues to adjust to the NBA’s physicality, Wembanyama’s ability to protect the rim and anchor San Antonio’s defense is making him an invaluable asset to the Spurs.
3. Evan Mobley
Defensive Stats: 8.1 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.8 BPG, 1.0 DBPM, 0.5 DWS
Evan Mobley is establishing himself as a consistent defensive anchor for the Cavaliers, utilizing his length and athleticism to contest shots without fouling. Mobley averages 1.8 blocks and 0.9 steals per game, positioning himself as one of the most versatile defenders in the league.
His 8.1 rebounds per game ensure that he dominates the defensive glass, while his DBPM of 1.0 shows he’s more than capable of disrupting offenses. The Cavaliers have started the season 8-0 and have been effective in limiting opposing offenses, ranking 8th in OPPG (109.1).
4. Bam Adebayo
Defensive Stats: 8.5 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 1.0 DBPM, 0.3 DWS
A versatile and physical defender, Bam Adebayo consistently disrupts offenses with his relentless energy and intensity. Averaging 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game, he is a menace around the rim while also being agile enough to contest shots on the perimeter.
With his defensive versatility, Adebayo plays a vital role in the Miami Heat’s defensive schemes, especially on switches, where he can seamlessly guard multiple positions. Adebayo’s defensive IQ allows him to anticipate plays and react accordingly, often shutting down pick-and-rolls or pressuring ball handlers into mistakes.
5. Jaren Jackson Jr.
Defensive Stats: 5.0 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 0.5 DBPM, 0.2 DWS
Known for his shot-blocking prowess, Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to excel as a rim protector with 1.2 blocks per game, though his numbers are slightly down from previous seasons. His 1.5 steals per game demonstrate his active hands and quick reactions, making him a disruptive force both inside and on the perimeter.
Although his 5.0 rebounds per game could be higher for a player of his size, Jackson’s ability to contest shots without fouling remains valuable for the Grizzlies. While his DBPM of 0.5 may not jump off the page, his impact goes beyond statistics, as he consistently alters shots and creates opportunities for transition offense.
6. Draymond Green
Defensive Stats: 5.6 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 3.0 DBPM, 0.4 DWS
Despite his veteran status, Draymond Green remains a vital defensive piece for the Golden State Warriors, providing them with a strong foundation. Known for his elite IQ and intensity, Green still averages 1.4 blocks and 0.9 steals per game, along with a strong DBPM of 3.0.
His defensive awareness enables him to read plays before they happen, often directing his teammates and taking on the toughest assignments. Don’t discount Green in the DPOY race because the Warriors rank 2nd in defense (104.3 OPPG) and have an excellent team record, 6-1.
7. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Defensive Stats: 6.6 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 3.7 DBPM, 0.7 DWS
As a guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s defensive stats are impressive, with 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. His 3.7 DBPM speaks to his remarkable impact, as he constantly applies pressure to opponents and disrupts passing lanes. Known for his quick hands and timing, SGA’s defensive abilities add depth to his game, making him one of the most well-rounded guards in the league.
SGA’s 6.6 rebounds per game are impressive for his position, and his defensive efforts help set the tone for the Thunder. He is playing at an extremely high level defensively and if he keeps this up, he could crack the top five in DPOY rankings for the season.
8. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Defensive Stats: 12.3 RPG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 1.4 DBPM, 0.2 DWS
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be a dominant force in the paint for the Milwaukee Bucks, with a towering presence that makes it difficult for opponents to score inside. While his blocks and steals per game may seem modest, his 12.3 rebounds per game illustrate his impact on the glass, and his DBPM of 1.4 highlights his defensive efficiency.
The problem is that Giannis has not been able to use his gifts and translate those into wins this season. The Bucks have fallen to 1-6 in the Eastern Conference, and it seems The Greek Freak isn’t getting enough help on either end. Since trading Jrue Holiday, the Bucks’ defense has sputtered and there is a ton of pressure of Giannis to carry that end.
9. Anthony Davis
Defensive Stats: 11.6 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 1.0 DBPM, 0.3 DWS
Anthony Davis brings a blend of rebounding, shot-blocking, and versatility to the Lakers’ defense. Averaging 1.7 blocks and 1.6 steals per game, along with 11.6 rebounds, Davis remains one of the league’s premier defenders when healthy. He is doing this while being the top MVP candidate at this point of the season.
Davis’s size and agility make him an elite rim protector, and he can switch onto guards when needed. His timing and instincts on defense allow him to contest shots without committing fouls, making him a crucial part of the Lakers’ defensive schemes.
10. Alex Caruso
Defensive Stats: 2.4 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 4.6 DBPM, 0.5 DWS
Despite being undersized compared to the rest of the list, Alex Caruso brings hustle and intensity to OKC’s defense. With 1.7 steals per game, Caruso is a constant disruptor on the perimeter, while his 4.6 DBPM and 0.5 DWS show just how impactful he is defensively.
It is only fair that we place three Thunder players on this list because of their defensive dominance. A special shout can also go to Lugentz Dort and Jalen Williams because the entire team is clicking defensively, although Caruso might get the edge for his excellent defensive stats.
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