NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after Week 3 ft. Dyson Daniels

With another week of NBA action in the books, players continue to climb the power rankings list. The Defensive Player of the Year ladder features a lot of the same faces, with some new ones entering the fold.

Following some recent developments, the early landscape for the DPOY is going through a massive shake-up. After a nasty fall against the Gold State Warriors on Sunday, Chet Holmgren is set to miss the next two months with a hip injury.

Holmgren has been one of the NBA's top defensive bigs to start the season, but now will be sidelined for an extended period, which will affect his case for the award. Aside from the OKC Thunder center, here is a look at some of the league's other top DPOY candidates through Week 3.

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NBA DPOY rankings for Week 3: 2024-25 season

5) Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

Kicking off this list is Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo. While his offensive production has taken a slight dip, he's still arguably one of the NBA's most versatile defenders.

Adebayo is tied for third in steals per game at 1.9. His defensive prowess was on full display against the Phoenix Suns as he recorded five steals and one block in a losing effort.

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4) Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks

Making an appearance for the first time this season is Atlanta Hawks wing Dyson Daniels. With a bigger opportunity on a new team, he's been able to showcase his talents on the defensive end more.

Daniels is one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders this season. He has racked up 17 steals over his last three games, seven of them against the Detroit Pistons. Daniels is also the league leader in steals per game at 3.3.

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3) Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Jaren Jackson Jr. came out of the gates slow defensively, but has since taken it to the next level. The Memphis Grizzlies big man quickly reminded everyone why he took home DPOY in 2023.

Jackson has at least two blocks in three of his last four games, including a three-steal night against the Philadelphia 76ers. If he continues to showcase his defensive capabilities this way, he'll be a mainstay in the DPOY power rankings.

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2) Chet Holmgren, OKC Thunder

This is likely going to change moving forward. However, for the time being, Holmgren finds himself slotted at No. 2.

The Thunder have been one of the top teams in the Western Conference this season, and the second-year big man is one of the main catalysts. Holmgren is third in blocks per game at 2.6 a night and isn't far removed from a five-block outing against the Portland Trail Blazers.

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1) Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Coming in at No. 1 is the favorite for the DPOY award, Victor Wembanyama. There has been a lot of discourse about his offense, but his work on defense remains undeniable.

Wembanyama is on pace to lead the league in blocks for a second straight season, averaging 4.0 a game. He is fresh off erasing seven shots against the Utah Jazz and recorded nine blocks against the LA Clippers last week.