NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after week 11 ft. Dyson Daniels 

As we pass the halfway point in the NBA season, most award races are wide open. While the DPOY has a clear runaway favorite, there are other players building strong cases.

For most of the award's history, the DPOY has typically been awarded to big men. With the game becoming more perimeter-based, some people in and around the league feel it's time for a change. OKC Thunder forward Jalen Williams sparked debate by saying there should be two Defensive Player of the Year winners.

Separating guards and forwards from bigs is an interesting debate but likely won't change anytime soon. That said, here's an updated look at NBA Defensive Player of the Year power rankings.

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NBA DPOY week 11 power rankings: 2024-25 season

5) Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzles

Kicking off this week's list is a former DPOY himself, Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies. He's been as high as No. 3 on this list at points but has taken a slight dip.

Jackson is one of the more impactful defensive bigs in the NBA, averaging 1.5 steals and 1.7 blocks per game. He's picked up two or more "stocks" (steals + blocks) in three of his last five games. One of Jackson's top outings in his recent stretch includes a 3-steal outing against the Houston Rockets.

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4) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been one of the top overall players in the NBA this season, front and center in the MVP debate. While many talk about his offensive game, the OKC Thunder star is equally as impactful on the other end.

SGA is second in steals per game, averaging just over two a night. He has also played a key role in the Thunder posting the league's best defensive rating (103.2).

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3) Anthony Davis, LA Lakers

Sliding back into the top three is LA Lakers star Anthony Davis. He has been one of the NBA's best rim protectors, third in blocks per game (2.2). AD is also on pace to have his fourth straight season of averaging at least two blocks and one steal.

AD has racked up nine blocks over his last three games, four of those coming in Tuesday's win over the Washington Wizards. Taking home DPOY might be an uphill battle, but the Lakers big man has a good chance of being a finalist for the award.

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2) Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks

Holding on to the No. 2 spot is Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels. Through the first half of the season, he has undoubtedly been the top perimeter defender in the NBA.

Daniels continues to put up big steals numbers, leading the league with an average of 3.1 a game. He has been consistent in this facet of the game recently, racking up three steals in four of his last five outings.

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1) Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Firmly planted in the top spot of the DPOY ladder is Victor Wembanyama. Barring him missing extended time, he's the clear favorite to add the award to his growing list of accolades.

Wembanyama is leading the association in blocks per game, averaging nearly double the next closest player. In the past week, he had an eight and six-block outings against the Memphis Grizzlies.