NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) Rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after Week 2 ft. Evan Mobley
As another week of the NBA season concludes, numerous players continue to emerge as possible finalists for seasonal awards. One key award that will likely crown a new winner this year is Defensive Player of the Year.
While the big man position has changed in the modern NBA, DPOY is still an award that typically goes to the best rim protector. In recent years, we've seen multiple frontcourt players emerge as elite versatile talents on that end of the floor.
Following the second week of action in the 2024-25 campaign, here is a dive into the latest installment of the DPOY ladder.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year ladder for the 2024-25 season: Week 2
5) Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
Kicking off this list is a former winner of the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award. Following a bit of a slow start, Jaren Jackson Jr. has started to remind the world that he's one of the league's most skilled defensive bigs.
Over the past week, the Memphis Grizzlies big man put on multiple impressive showings. He racked up three blocks in a game against the Chicago Bulls and then followed that up with a three-steal outing against the Brooklyn Nets. In his most recent game, JJJ recorded three steals and two blocks against the Philadelphia 76ers.
4) Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
While he's never taken home the award, Bam Adebayo is a name often tossed around in the DPOY conversation. Already with five All-Defense nominations on his resumé, he's solidified himself as an elite defender in the league.
Looking at his recent outings, the Miami Heat center's best performance came against the Detroit Pistons. Adebayo came away with three steals and three blocks in 35 minutes of action.
3) Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
A big reason why the Cleveland Cavaliers remain as one of the two unbeaten teams in the NBA is because of their defense. Evan Mobley deserves a lot of credit for their success on that end, as he continues to shine.
The former No. 3 pick is in the midst of what could be a career year. His defensive prowess has been on full display, picking up a three-block outing against the New York Knicks last week on Oct. 28.
2) Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Making his first appearance on the DPOY ladder this season is the heavy favorite to win the award, Victor Wembanyama. The reigning Rookie of the Year made history as he continues to be arguably the most dominant defender in the game.
Wembanyama pulled off the rare five-by-five game this week, finishing a game with 25 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, five steals and five blocks against the Utah Jazz on Thursday. The San Antonio Spurs also have a top-five defense in the league, with Wemby tied in second in blocks per game with 3.0.
1) Chet Holmgren, OKC Thunder
Finishing atop this week's list is none other than OKC Thunder big man Chet Holmgren. He continues to be the anchor for the NBA's other unbeaten team.
With Isaiah Hartenstein sidelined, Holmgren has been playing center full-time for the second year in a row. He's been arguably the league's best rim protector to start the season. Holmgren picked up six blocks against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 27 and followed that up with a five-block game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.
Holmgren is also on pace to lead the league in blocks this season, averaging 3.3 a game.