The San Antonio Spurs received some concerning news that their superstar and franchise player Victor Wembanyama has blood clots in his shoulder, meaning he will be out for the rest of the season. That is a major disappointment considering Wemby was averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.8 blocks per game as he made his first All-Star appearance and was the lock to win Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) in only his second season.
Most importantly, there are concerns about the Frenchman’s long-term health as former All-Star Chris Bosh suffered from the same medical condition that effectively ended his career. However, the Spurs organization is confident this the 21-year-old will make a speedy recovery and get back on the court as soon as next season, with many coming out to support the Frenchman after this bad news.
With Wembanyama out of the DPOY race, that means the probability for all the other contenders skyrocket. In fact, there are five major contenders for the 2024-25 DPOY trophy as we kickstart the second half of the season and there might be some bigger names than you expect.
1. Jaren Jackson Jr.
Defensive Stats: 6.0 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 2.6 DWS, 1.0 DBPM
The 2023 DPOY winner, Jaren Jackson Jr. finds himself in the thick of the Defensive Player of the Year race, proving that his elite shot-blocking and versatility aren’t just a one-season wonder. Jackson remains the Grizzlies‘ defensive anchor, swatting away 1.7 blocks per game while also racking up 1.3 steals per contest.
His Defensive Win Shares (DWS) of 2.6 and Defensive Box Plus-Minus (DBPM) of 1.0 further highlight his impact. Even with teams adjusting their game plans to avoid his rim protection, Jackson still finds ways to disrupt offenses.
What sets Jackson apart is his ability to guard multiple positions while maintaining his dominance as a rim protector. Memphis’s overall record (37-19) might boost his case compared to other contenders and his case for a second DPOY award will only get stronger as the team improves.
2. Evan Mobley
Defensive Stats: 9.2 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 2.7 DWS, 1.6 DBPM
If there’s one player who embodies the modern defensive big man, it’s Evan Mobley. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ rising star has taken another leap as a defensive force, averaging 9.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game while maintaining an impressive 2.7 DWS and 1.6 DBPM.
He’s been the linchpin of Cleveland’s elite defense, using his length and agility to stifle opponents in the paint and on the perimeter. Of course, the Cavs are winning because of it, holding an impressive 46-10 record.
Unlike traditional rim protectors, Mobley’s defensive impact isn’t just measured in blocks—his ability to contest shots without fouling, switch onto guards, and shut down pick-and-roll actions makes him invaluable. The Cavaliers’ defensive efficiency skyrockets when he’s on the floor, and with Wembanyama out, Mobley has a legitimate shot at securing his first DPOY trophy.
3. Luguentz Dort
Defensive Stats: 4.2 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 2.5 DWS, 0.9 DBPM
Luguentz Dort might not be a shot-blocking machine like the big men on this list, but his defensive presence is just as impactful. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s bulldog defender has been a menace on the perimeter and is the main reason why the team ranks 1st in defense (104.9 OPPG).
Averaging 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks per game, Dort’s raw stats might not jump off the page, but his 2.5 DWS and 0.9 DBPM tell the story of a player whose impact goes beyond numbers. Dort’s strength and tenacity allow him to guard positions 1 through 4, and he thrives in OKC’s switch-heavy defensive scheme.
His ability to take on the toughest assignments—whether it’s LeBron, Luka, or Steph—makes life easier for his teammates, and with the Thunder sitting at the top of the Western Conference, his defensive contributions are getting well-deserved recognition.
4. Dyson Daniels
Defensive Stats: 5.5 RPG, 3.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 2.5 DWS, 2.6 DBPM
Dyson Daniels’ emergence as a lockdown defender and cunning steals merchant has been one of the most interesting surprises of the season. The third-year guard has been a steal-generating machine, leading the NBA with 3.0 steals per game while also adding 5.5 rebounds and 0.8 blocks to his stat line.
What makes Daniels special is his ability to guard both guards and wings with equal effectiveness. His quick hands, anticipation, and length allow him to disrupt passing lanes at an elite level, and he’s quickly become one of the best on-ball defenders in the NBA.
If Daniels continues to rack up steals and make life miserable for opposing ball handlers, he could make a serious push for the DPOY trophy even if the Atlanta Hawks sit below .500 in the Eastern Conference and tend to get outscored by better teams.
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Defensive Stats: 5.1 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 3.8 DWS, 3.0 DBPM
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is proving that he’s more than just an MVP candidate—he’s a legitimate force on the defensive end as well. The Oklahoma City superstar has taken a massive leap defensively, leading this group in Defensive Win Shares (3.8) and Defensive Box Plus-Minus (3.0) while also averaging 1.9 steals, 1.0 blocks, and 5.1 rebounds per game.
For a player known for his scoring prowess, SGA has developed into a complete two-way star. What makes Shai’s defensive improvement so impressive is his ability to make impact plays without sacrificing his offensive workload.
He’s contesting shots at the rim, stripping ball handlers, and thriving in OKC’s aggressive defensive schemes. With Wembanyama out, the DPOY race is wide open, and if SGA continues this level of play while leading the Thunder to the best record in the NBA, he could add a DPOY trophy to his growing list of accolades.
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