Victor Wembanyama was on track to win the Defensive Player of the Year award until news broke that he is likely out for the rest of the season. His season ended early due to a blood clot in his right shoulder, leaving him 19 games short of the required 65 games for eligibility. This means the award is now up for grabs, and we need to look at who might take it home.
Wembanyama was a standout talent, surpassing many trends that usually guide award decisions. Without him, we can identify some key trends that voters typically favor:
- Team Defense Success: Every Defensive Player of the Year since 2008 has played on a top-five defense. The Spurs were ranked 19th; without Wembanyama’s unique stats, others will struggle to compete.
- Team Playoff Qualification: All winners since 2008 have been part of a playoff team. While the postseason format has changed, strong conference standing typically matters.
- Player Size: Typically, only larger players win this award. Out of recent winners, only a few smaller players have achieved this, making it rare.
Many prominent defenders are already out of the competition, further narrowing the field. However, several players still remain strong candidates for the award.
Top Candidates for Defensive Player of the Year
Currently, the favorites are Jaren Jackson Jr. (+100) and Evan Mobley (+130). Both have their teams ranked in the top ten for defense, which fits the trend. Jackson’s Grizzlies rank seventh, and Mobley’s Cavaliers are eighth. Both players excel at blocking shots and helping their teams win games.
Jackson has stronger blocking stats and limits opponents’ shooting at the rim, while Mobley contests more shots and defends well on the perimeter. The margin between their stats is slim, making both worthy contenders.
Additionally, we can’t ignore the Oklahoma City Thunder, who top the league in overall defensive performance. Lu Dort (+2200), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+2500), and Jalen Williams (+6000) are options to consider. Dort is known as a tough defender, often handling the toughest matchups. Gilgeous-Alexander is good at causing turnovers, while Williams has a versatile skill set.
Among these, Dort is arguably the best choice. The Thunder may be recognized for their strong defense, and Dort stands out as a primary defender. Other players, like Dyson Daniels (+450), face challenges due to their team’s overall performance and defensive ranking.
If you’re looking at long shots, Amen Thompson of the Rockets at +6000 could be interesting. Houston’s defense is notably strong, and Thompson could shine without stiff competition from teammates.
The race for the Defensive Player of the Year is more open than ever. Watch as the season unfolds, and the landscape can quickly change. The favorites Jackson and Mobley will need to keep performing well to secure their chance at the title now that Wembanyama is out of the picture.
Check out this related article: Victor Wembanyama’s Deep Vein Thrombosis Diagnosis: Discover Other Athletes Who’ve Overcome Similar Challenges
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