San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama had a terrific rookie campaign, leading the NBA in blocks (3.6 BPG) and winning Rookie of the Year. Despite being a 20-year-old international rookie, the Frenchman was dominant on the defensive end which is why he finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and made the All-NBA Defensive First Team. Looking ahead to the 2024-25 NBA season, Victor Wembanyama is the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year but 10 defensive stars will challenge him for that title.
1. Rudy Gobert
2023-24 Statistics: 14.0 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.1 BPG
Career Accolades: 3x All-Star, 4x All-NBA Team Selection, 7x All-Defensive Team Selection, 4x Defensive Player of the Year, 2021-22 Rebounds Champion, 2016-17 Blocks Champion
Rudy Gobert has long been the gold standard for rim protection in the NBA. His ability to alter shots, deter drives, and control the paint is unmatched, making him a perennial threat for the DPOY title. In 2024-25, Gobert’s experience and understanding of defensive schemes could be key in stifling opposing offenses.
Despite entering the latter part of his prime, his impact on defense remains immense, especially as Minnesota looks to continue their form after ranking 1st in the NBA in defense (106.5 OPPG). It won’t be easy for Gobert to become the only player in NBA history to win five DPOY awards, but we can’t put it past the “Stifle Tower”.
2. Anthony Davis
2023-24 Statistics: 24.7 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 2.3 BPG
Career Accolades: 2019-20 NBA Champion, 9x All-Star, 5x All-NBA Team Selection, 5x All-Defensive Team Selection, 3x Blocks Champion, 2012-13 All-Rookie Team Selection, 2016-17 All-Star Game MVP
Anthony Davis is one of the most dominant two-way players in the NBA when healthy, with his defensive impact often being game-changing. His shot-blocking ability, defensive versatility, and elite rebounding make him a consistent presence in the DPOY conversation as he finished fourth in the race last year with averages of 2.3 blocks per game.
The key for Davis is staying healthy. When on the floor, he’s arguably the best defender in the league, with his ability to completely shut down the paint and alter shots. If Davis can avoid major injuries in the 2024-25 season, he could mount a strong challenge to Wembanyama for the DPOY award because his dominance in the 2024 Paris Olympics (6.7 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.5 BPG) proved he can be the best defender in the world if he puts his mind (and body) to it.
3. Bam Adebayo
2023-24 Statistics: 19.3 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Career Accolades: 3x All-Star, 5x All-Defensive Team Selection
Bam Adebayo has consistently been one of the most versatile and impactful defenders in the NBA. His ability to guard all five positions, switch onto guards, and protect the rim makes him a unique defensive presence. Adebayo’s agility and lateral quickness allow him to excel in Miami’s switch-heavy defensive scheme, where he often neutralizes elite scorers.
Adebayo’s defensive versatility sets him apart from other big men in the league. He can anchor a defense while also thriving on the perimeter against smaller, quicker players. The Heat are known for their defense and if Adebayo continues to be as consistent as he has been for five seasons, he might finally break through to win his first major individual award.
4. Evan Mobley
2023-24 Statistics: 15.7 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 BPG
Career Accolades: 2022-23 NBA All-Defensive Team Selection, 2021-22 NBA All-Rookie Team Selection
Evan Mobley’s defensive prowess was on full display in his third NBA season, averaging 1.4 blocks per game even if he missed out on a second consecutive All-NBA Defensive Team selection. At 7’0″, Mobley’s combination of length, agility, and timing makes him an elite shot-blocker and a disruptive force in passing lanes.
As Mobley continues to mature, his defensive impact is only expected to grow. His ability to read the game and anticipate plays, combined with his physical tools, positions him as a top contender for the DPOY award. If the Cavaliers continue to build on their defensive identity, ranking 7th in defensive rating last year, Mobley can be at the heart of it.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo
2023-24 Statistics: 30.4 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.1 BPG
Career Accolades: 2020-21 NBA Champion, 2020-21 Finals MVP, 2x MVP, 8x All-Star, 8x All-NBA Team Selection, 5x All-Defensive Team Selection, 2019-20 Defensive Player of the Year, 2016-17 Most Improved Player, 2013-14 All-Rookie Team Selection, 2020-21 All-Star Game MVP
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains one of the most feared defenders in the NBA due to his combination of size, athleticism, and defensive instincts. The 2020 DPOY is a master of covering ground quickly, blocking shots, and disrupting passing lanes. Last season, however, Giannis wasn’t able to impact team defense enough with Jrue Holiday gone (21st in the league allowing 116.4 points per game).
However, Giannis’ defensive versatility is unparalleled. He can switch onto any player, protect the rim, and lead fast breaks off steals and blocks. If the Bucks can get their act together and return to being a top-10 defense in the league consistently, Giannis has a chance to be in the conversation for his second DPOY award.
6. Chet Holmgren
2023-24 Statistics: 16.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.3 BPG
Career Accolades: 2023-24 NBA All-Rookie Team Selection
Chet Holmgren quickly established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in the league during his rookie campaign. Standing at 7’1″ with a remarkable wingspan, Holmgren’s ability to block shots and disrupt passing lanes is reminiscent of a young Rudy Gobert. Doubts about his strength were put aside since Holmgren has a quick bounce off the floor to get to shots.
Entering his second season, Holmgren is poised to take another leap defensively. With added strength and experience, he could emerge as a legitimate DPOY candidate, especially if the Thunder continue their rise in the Western Conference. If the Thunder capture the best record in the NBA again, Holmgren could have a strong chance to win DPOY just like his teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a chance to win MVP.
7. Jaren Jackson Jr.
2023-24 Statistics: 22.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.6 BPG
Career Accolades: 2022-23 All-Star, 2x All-Defensive Team Selection, 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year, 2x Blocks Champion, 2018-19 All-Rookie Team Selection
Jaren Jackson Jr. is coming off back-to-back stellar defensive seasons, including a DPOY win in 2023. His shot-blocking prowess and ability to defend multiple positions make him a unique and dangerous defensive weapon. Jackson’s timing, length, and ability to stay disciplined without fouling have been key to the Grizzlies’ defensive identity.
Jackson has already established himself as one of the best defenders in the league at just 25 years old. His ability to lead the league in blocks twice already while being a capable perimeter defender makes him a strong candidate to repeat as DPOY. If Memphis performs as a top-five team on defense, Jackson Jr will receive most of the plaudits even if he has a former DPOY winner in Marcus Smart on his team.
8. OG Anunoby
2023-24 Statistics: 14.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Career Accolades: 2018-19 NBA Champion, 2022-23 All-Defensive Team Selection, 2022-23 Steals Champion
OG Anunoby has established himself as one of the premier perimeter defenders in the NBA and the New York Knicks are more than happy to welcome him back on a $212.5 million deal. Anunoby’s defensive versatility allows him to shut down top scorers while also being a key disruptor in passing lanes.
Anunoby’s defensive impact goes beyond traditional stats. The swingman already has an All-NBA Defensive Team selection to his name and his presence for the Knicks, especially if the team ranks top-5 in defense, will be a factor to watch in the DPOY award race even if perimeter defenders have struggled to win the award compared to big men historically.
9. Jrue Holiday
2023-24 Statistics: 12.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Career Accolades: 2x NBA Champion, 2x All-Star, 6x All-Defensive Team Selection
Widely regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders of his generation, Jrue Holiday’s impact on defense is often understated. His ability to lock down opposing point guards and make clutch defensive plays has been a cornerstone of his career. Holiday’s strength, quickness, and basketball IQ allow him to excel in both on-ball defense and help defense.
Running it back after being a missing piece for the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics, Holiday’s veteran presence will be crucial to their defensive schemes. If Boston maintains its status as one of the top defensive teams since they ranked 5th in OPPG last year (109.2), Holiday’s contributions will be impossible to ignore.
10. Kawhi Leonard
2023-24 Statistics: 23.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Career Accolades: 2x NBA Champion, 2 Finals MVP, 6x All-Star, 6x All-NBA Team Selection, 7x All-Defensive Team Selection, 2x Defensive Player of the Year, 2014-15 Steals Champion, 2011-12 All-Rookie Team Selection, 2019-20 All-Star Game MVP
Kawhi Leonard, a two-time DPOY, is still one of the most feared defenders in the NBA when healthy. His massive hands, strength, and defensive instincts make him an elite on-ball defender, capable of shutting down the league’s best scorers. Remember, this is a seven-time All-NBA Defensive player we are talking about.
The key for Leonard will be staying healthy throughout the season. If he can manage his workload effectively and avoid significant injuries (played at least 65 games once since 2016-17), Leonard’s defensive prowess could put him back in the DPOY conversation. Given his pedigree and the Clippers’ need for defensive stability, Leonard will always remain a serious threat to Wembanyama’s candidacy.
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