Top 5 Defensive Player of the Year candidates for 2022-23 NBA season, featuring Anthony Davis, Rudy Gobert, and more

The Defensive Player of the Year race is likely to be intense this coming season. Over the years, traditional big men have had a stranglehold on the award. Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart changed that trend with some terrific performances last season, helping his team to the No. 1 spot in defensive rating.

A few guards and forwards could be in the mix again, but early projections favor the power forwards and centers.

Some top candidates have struggled to stay healthy over the years, which has proved to be a stumbling block in their bid to claim the honors. Fans will be hoping these players are healthy for long stretches, as that will spice things up in the DPOY race.

On that note, let's take a look at the early projections for the top five candidates for the 2022-23 NBA season's Defensive Player of the Year award.

#1 Rudy Gobert

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert is a perennial candidate in the Defensive Player of the Year race. He has won the award thrice in his career, most recently in the 2020-21 season.

The Timberwolves went all in to trade for Gobert this season. They desperately needed to shore up their defense and managed to do just that by acquiring Gobert.

With an experienced player like Gobert anchoring the team's defense, Karl Anthony-Towns and Anthony Edwards could also have a bigger impact.

Rudy Gobert joined NBA Today to discuss DPOY: “If anybody else not named Rudy Gobert was doing what I do this year and having the impact that I have this year, they would be the frontrunner and it would be clear. … Why should I be penalized for being consistent year after year?” https://t.co/zR8u6ZDgbm

Rudy Gobert remains one of the best rim protectors and shot-blockers around the league, having averaged over two blocks per game for the last eight seasons.

The three-time All-Star copped criticism this past season for his performances and will be hoping to silence his doubters with some strong displays.

#2 Bam Adebayo

Bam Adebayo is among the few players in the league who take pride in being a defensive stalwart. The Miami Heat star can guard one through five.

Despite being comparatively undersized as a center, Adebayo has matched up efficiently against most bigs in the league, making him a solid interior defender. He can also move quickly, allowing him to guard smaller players on the perimeter. Not all bigs excel at that.

Bam Adebayo on not being a DPOY finalist: It's disrespectful. I feel like I can do anything that two out of the three can do. I can't teach height. All three play on TV more than me. They get more exposure. No one wants to talk about us. https://t.co/bE7pVaZdjM

With the Heat losing P.J. Tucker this summer, Bam Adebayo may have to shoulder extra responsibility on the defensive end, especially against top teams. It could help him in his bid to win his maiden DPOY award.

#3 Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis is among the top defensive players in the NBA, but he hasn't been able to stay healthy over the last two seasons. He came close to winning the award during his first year (2019-20) with the LA Lakers, which was also his last truly healthy season.

Davis has been a monster on defense every time he has been in action in the past two years. The former No. 1 pick has fared well against players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic.

Anthony Davis is playing sensational tonight

His 3rd block of the game (2nd on Embiid) https://t.co/TbL1EDZfQi

The Lakers have shown improvement defensively in their three preseason games under new coach Darvin Ham. With adequate support on the perimeter, Anthony Davis could excel.

AD looks in tremendous shape at the moment, so if he can stay fit, he should be in contention to win his first Defensive Player of the Year award.

#4 Robert Williams III

Robert Williams III was a vital cog in the Boston Celtics' wheel last season. Williams averaged a career-high 9.6 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 2.2 blocks per game. He is expected to play an even more prominent role next season.

Blocks this series:

◽️ The Warriors: 13
◽️ Robert Williams III: 12

Time Lord has two swats at the half.

🎥 @SportsCenter
https://t.co/MlXyB7nMWq

This will be his fifth season, so one can expect him to make massive strides and help the Celtics retain their No. 1 defensive rating.

#5 Giannis Antetokounmpo

The award's recipient in 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo is another perennial NBA Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Arguably the best player in the league right now, Antetokounmpo excels on both ends of the floor.

Antetokounmpo has averaged at least 10 rebounds, a steal and a block over the last five seasons and has often taken up the assignment of guarding the opposition's best player.

The Greek Freak knows all about clamping down on defense!

Check out his TOP 10 defensive plays from the 2021-22 SZN 🔒

#NBADefenseWeek | @Giannis_An34 https://t.co/LKVzJNsTC2

After failing to lead the Bucks to the title last season, Giannis could have a chip on his shoulder. If he maintains his level of play, he will be among the frontrunners for the MVP and DPOY awards.