NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after week 10 ft. Anthony Davis

As we usher in the new year, the NBA regular season rages along. While many like to focus on the game's top offensive talents, there are countless standouts on the other end of the floor as well.

When it comes to defense, Victor Wembanyama is the main player who gets mentioned. That said, there are other players who have come and gone in the DPOY conversation. The San Antonio Spurs big man is the early runaway, but there's a handful of guys attempting to close the gap.

In the first week of 2025, here is a look at the latest Defensive Player of the Year rankings in the NBA.

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NBA week 10 DPOY power rankings: 2024-25 season:

5) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder

Dating back to last season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a player commonly brought up for the MVP award. However, the OKC Thunder star also deserves a shout-out for his work on the defensive end as well.

SGA is one of three NBA players averaging at least two steals a game and is known to pick up his fair share of blocked shots. Gigelous-Alexander's two-way prowess was on full display against the Boston Celtics Sunday, recording 33 points, three steals and two blocks.

SGA has a long way to go to be in the DPOY conversation, but has more than earned an honorable mention with his dedication on that end.

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4) Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Next up is another MVP-level player, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The superstar forward continues to lead the Bucks on both ends of the floor on a nightly basis.

Along with recording five blocks over his last two games, Giannis also has at least two steals in three of his last five appearances. The Bucks star already has one DPOY on his resumé and remains a common name brought up in this year's discussion.

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3) Anthony Davis, LA Lakers

Throughout his career, many have wondered why Anthony Davis has never won DPOY in the NBA. If he's able to maintain his level of play on that end, he could be named a finalist this season.

AD currently sits third in the league in blocks per game at just over two a night. The LA Lakers star is also fresh off an outing against the Atlanta Hawks where he recorded three steals and blocks in a win.

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2) Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks

Speaking of the Hawks, Dyson Daniels continues to cling to his No. 2 spot in these DPOY rankings. He is arguably the NBA's most impactful perimeter defender, averaging a league-high 3.2 steals a game.

Over his last three games, Daniels has accumulated a total of 11 steals. His single-game total in this stretch is five, a feat he achieved in 31 minutes of action against the Lakers.

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1) Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

In a move that is surprising to nobody, Victor Wembanyama once again claims the top spot in the DPOY ladder. Slightly past the two-month mark in the season, the former No. 1 pick is the massive frontrunner to take home the award.

Wembanyama is leading the association in blocks per game for a second straight season, averaging nearly four a night. He's erased three or more shots in three of his last five outings, including a six-block night against the Brooklyn Nets.

As things currently stand, DPOY is Wembanyama's award to lose.