The 2024-25 NBA season is right around the corner, and the DPOY race is already a hot topic considering it came down to the wire last year with Rudy Gobert beating out rookie Victor Wembanyama . Gobert enters the new season with four DPOY awards to his name but he will have stiff competition from Wembanyama and other top candidates. With preseason games giving us a sneak peek at players’ form, let’s dive into the top candidates and rank them into tiers based on their current stats and projected impact for the upcoming season.
True DPOY Candidates
Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, Bam Adebayo, Anthony Davis, Chet Holmgren
Victor Wembanyama burst onto the scene in his rookie year, finishing second in DPOY voting while averaging an astounding and league-leading 3.6 blocks per game. Standing at 7'4" with an unprecedented wingspan, Wembanyama’s ability to alter shots and disrupt offenses is already elite. He has a natural feel for timing in shot-blocking and is mobile enough to guard on the perimeter. Entering his sophomore year, he has the chance to dominate the race and claim his first DPOY, continuing to redefine what a modern rim protector looks like.
With four DPOY trophies in his case, Rudy Gobert is a proven defensive anchor and the most decorated candidate in this group. In 2023-24, Gobert led the league in defensive win shares (5.8) and was second in rebounds per game (12.9), showcasing his continued dominance in the paint. His unmatched rim protection and ability to control the glass remain his strongest assets, making him a perennial contender. At 32, Gobert is entering the later stages of his career, but his elite defense keeps him in the top tier of candidates because the Minnesota Timberwolves will be a problem on defense.
Bam Adebayo is one of the most versatile defenders in the NBA, capable of guarding all five positions. He averaged 10.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game last season while leading the Miami Heat’s defense to one of the best ratings in the league. Bam’s switchability on the perimeter and his tenacity in the paint make him a unique candidate. With the Heat poised for another strong season, Adebayo’s value on the defensive end could propel him into serious DPOY consideration.
Anthony Davis is coming off a season where he averaged 2.6 blocks per game and was one of the most feared rim protectors. When healthy, Davis has the perfect combination of size, mobility, and defensive instincts to alter shots at an elite level. His defensive metrics show a profound impact on the Los Angeles Lakers' success, as they posted a top-five defense when he was on the floor. If he stays healthy for the majority of the 2024-25 season, Davis has the skill set to win his first DPOY award.
Chet Holmgren is poised to be a defensive sensation in 2024-25. At 7'1", Holmgren’s length and agility allow him to block shots and guard multiple positions effectively. His campaign last year has already shown his impact, averaging 2.3 blocks per game. The Oklahoma City Thunder are expected to make a leap this year, and Holmgren’s defensive presence will be central to their success, making him a strong contender for DPOY in his first active season.
Big Threats
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaren Jackson Jr., Evan Mobley, Herbert Jones, Jarrett Allen, Alex Caruso
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a former DPOY winner (2020) and remains one of the most versatile and impactful defenders in the NBA. His ability to cover ground, defend in transition, and protect the rim makes him a constant presence in the conversation. Last season, Giannis averaged 11.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game while ranking high in defensive win shares. The Milwaukee Bucks' defense runs through him, and his two-way brilliance keeps him as one of the biggest threats for DPOY.
The 2023 DPOY, Jaren Jackson Jr. , was a shot-blocking machine that season, leading the league with 3.0 blocks per game. His ability to defend the rim and switch onto perimeter players makes him a modern defensive unicorn. Jackson's growth as a defender has solidified him as the backbone of the Memphis Grizzlies' defense, and despite injury concerns, his potential to repeat as DPOY is undeniable. If he can stay on the floor consistently, Jackson remains one of the most feared defenders in the league.
At just 23 years old, Evan Mobley is already one of the premier defenders in the league. His agility and ability to switch onto smaller guards, combined with his shot-blocking prowess (1.4 BPG), make him a nightmare matchup for opponents. Mobley anchored the Cleveland Cavaliers' defense, which ranked No. 6 in defensive rating last season. As he continues to mature, Mobley’s defensive instincts will only sharpen, making him a serious contender for DPOY in 2024-25.
Herbert Jones has quietly emerged as one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders. Last season, he averaged 1.4 steals and was often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best scorer as he made the All-NBA Defensive First Team. His defensive versatility allows him to switch seamlessly between guarding guards and forwards, and his length makes him disruptive in passing lanes. Jones has yet to gain mainstream recognition, but his impact on the New Orleans Pelicans' defense could earn him serious DPOY consideration if the team excels this season.
Jarrett Allen is a force in the paint for the Cleveland Cavaliers, often overshadowed by Mobley, but his defensive contributions are undeniable. Allen averaged 1.1 blocks and 10.5 rebounds per game last season, anchoring the Cavs' top-rated defense. His ability to deter shots at the rim and secure defensive rebounds gives Cleveland a stable interior presence. If Allen can elevate his defensive consistency even further, he will remain a top-tier defensive threat.
Alex Caruso is a defensive dynamo, known for his aggressive on-ball defense and quick hands. Caruso's 1.7 steals per game last season, along with his disruptive play, made him a key piece of the Chicago Bulls' defense and he looks to do the same with the OKC Thunder next season. Though he doesn’t have the size of typical DPOY candidates, his impact on the perimeter is undeniable. Caruso’s defensive intensity and ability to lock down guards make him a serious threat for DPOY consideration, especially if the Bulls' team defense improves.
Dark Horses
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Suggs, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, OG Anunoby, Kawhi Leonard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is primarily known for his offensive prowess, but his defense has taken significant strides. SGA averaged 2.0 steals and 0.9 blocks per game last season, showing that he can be disruptive on the perimeter. His length and quickness allow him to guard multiple positions effectively. While not a traditional DPOY candidate, Shai’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor makes him an intriguing dark horse.
Jalen Suggs is one of the more underrated defensive guards in the NBA. His quick hands and aggressive perimeter defense helped him average 1.4 steals per game in just 27.0 minutes of action last season. With increased minutes and a growing role with the Orlando Magic , Suggs could emerge as a standout defensive player. His intensity and ability to pressure ball handlers make him a sneaky DPOY candidate if the Magic surprise people this season.
Jrue Holiday has long been regarded as one of the best defensive guards in the NBA and he was the missing piece behind the Celtics’ championship season last year. His ability to lock down opposing guards and even switch onto forwards makes him a nightmare matchup. Holiday averaged 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks per game last season, and his defensive IQ and versatility are unmatched. Now with the Boston Celtics, he will be expected to lead a defense that could be the league's best. Though guards rarely win the award, Holiday has the pedigree to be a dark horse contender.
Derrick White is another Celtics guard who has quietly established himself as a top-tier defender. White averaged 1.0 steals and 1.2 blocks per game last season, an impressive mark for a guard. His shot-blocking ability, combined with his on-ball defense, makes him an elite defender at his position. White’s impact on the Celtics' defense could increase even more this season, and if Boston has an elite defense, White’s name could surface in DPOY conversations.
OG Anunoby is one of the best two-way wings in the league, and his defense has been a key reason for his rise. He led the league in steals two seasons ago with 1.9 per game and can guard multiple positions effectively. His physicality and ability to disrupt passing lanes make him a valuable defensive asset. If Anunoby can stay healthy and the Knicks become dominant defensively, he could be a serious DPOY contender.
Kawhi Leonard is a two-time DPOY winner, but his health remains the biggest question mark. When on the floor, Leonard is still one of the most dominant defenders, able to lock down top scorers and provide elite perimeter defense. Last season, he averaged 1.6 steals per game, but his availability is always a concern. If Leonard can stay healthy for the majority of the season, he has the defensive pedigree to re-enter the DPOY conversation.
Highly Unlikely
Jimmy Butler, Mikal Bridges, Luguentz Dort, Jaden McDaniels, Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner, Aaron Gordon, Dillon Brooks
Jimmy Butler is a fantastic defender, but his focus in recent years has been more on playmaking and scoring for the Miami Heat. While still a strong on-ball defender, Butler averaged 1.3 steals per game last season but is unlikely to play enough games or be consistently dominant on defense to win DPOY. He remains more of an elite two-way player than a singular defensive force at this stage of his career.
Mikal Bridges has built a reputation as one of the best 3-and-D players in the league, and his length and footwork make him a strong defender on the perimeter. However, Bridges' move to a more offensive-focused role with the Brooklyn Nets has slightly reduced his defensive output. Last season, he averaged 1.0 steals and 0.4 blocks, and while solid, these numbers are unlikely to compete with the top DPOY candidates.
Luguentz Dort is a relentless defender known for his tenacity and physicality. He often takes on the challenge of guarding the opposing team’s best scorer and averaged 0.9 steals per game last season. Despite his efforts, Dort's impact isn’t as far-reaching as some of the league’s elite defenders, and his team’s defensive standing may hold him back from being a serious DPOY candidate.
Jaden McDaniels is one of the most promising young defenders in the NBA, using his length and lateral quickness to disrupt offenses. He averaged 0.6 blocks and 0.9 steals per game last season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. While McDaniels has the potential to develop into an elite defender, he’s not quite at the level of other DPOY candidates, and it’s unlikely he’ll make a serious push this season.
Domantas Sabonis is a strong rebounder and playmaker, but defense has never been his calling card. He averaged a league-leading 13.7 rebounds and 0.6 blocks per game last season, anchoring the Sacramento Kings' frontcourt. While he’s an effective post defender, Sabonis lacks the elite shot-blocking or switchability to contend for DPOY, making him an unlikely candidate.
Myles Turner is one of the best shot-blockers in the league, finishing 9th in blocks per game (1.9) last season. Despite this, Turner’s overall defensive impact has been inconsistent, and the Indiana Pacers’ mediocre defensive performance may hinder his DPOY chances. Turner’s rim protection is elite, but he has yet to show enough consistency to enter the top tier of DPOY candidates.
Aaron Gordon is a solid wing defender and played a key role in the Denver Nuggets’ championship run. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, but his defensive numbers (0.6 blocks, 0.8 steals per game) don’t stand out among DPOY contenders. Gordon’s contributions are invaluable, but his impact may be overshadowed by other top defensive players.
Dillon Brooks is a tenacious defender with a reputation for physical play, but his DPOY chances are slim. Brooks averaged 0.9 steals per game last season, often taking on tough defensive assignments. However, his defensive effectiveness can be inconsistent, and his reputation for fouling and drawing technicals doesn’t help his case. Brooks is a valuable defender, but unlikely to break through in the DPOY race.
Related: Ranking The MVP Candidates By Tiers For The 2024-25 NBA Season
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