NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after Week 7 ft. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Due to the NBA Cup, the regular-season schedule hasn't been as jam-packed as it usually is. While teams are enjoying elongated gaps between games, players are still shining defensively when on the floor.

Now past the quarter mark of the season, the DPOY ladder has started to settle into a core group of players. However, some new faces are still entering the fold. In a rare turn of events, a superstar-level player finds themselves on the latest rankings.

As the 2024-25 NBA season continues to rage on, here is a look at the new power rankings for Defensive Player of the Year.

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NBA DPOY week 7 rankings: 2024-25 season:

5) Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz

Re-entering the fray in this week's rankings is Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler. Following a brief stint on the sidelines, the third-year big man is back to making his mark defensively.

Kessler is currently averaging just under three blocks a game, a career-high and good for second-best in the NBA. While he had a quiet showing in his last game against the Phoenix Suns, he's erased 10 shots over his last three appearances.

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4) Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Next up is a player who has been a mainstay on this list for some time now, Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies. Following a slow start to the year, he is now averaging just shy of two steals and blocks per game.

Jackson's versatility was on full display against the Boston Celtics recently, picking up three steals and four blocks in one game. He also is fresh off a five-steal outing against the Brooklyn Nets.

Given how many different ways he impacts the game defensively, JJJ has a shot to be in the mix for a second DPOY this season.

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3) Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Rounding out the top three is a new face in the weekly DPOY rankings, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Milwaukee Bucks star has been one of the NBA's top performers on both ends of the floor as of late.

Giannis is averaging 1.6 blocks on the year but has turned things up a notch recently. He's had four blocks in each of his last two games, and 11 blocks over his last three outings.

As a former winner of this award, Giannis could be an interesting name to watch moving forward.

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2) Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks

At this point, there isn't much more to say when it comes to Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels. Fresh off being named one of the first Defensive Players of the Month, he continues to be one of the favorites for DPOY.

Daniels is leading the NBA in steals per game, still averaging three a night. He's widely regarded as the most impactful perimeter defender this season, which keeps him in the top two of these weekly rankings.

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1) Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Continuing his run in the top spot of this list is San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama. He continues to be a dominant force on this end, remaining the frontrunner for DPOY in the process.

Wembanyama is leading the league in blocks with 3.5 a night, on pace to win his second blocks title in as many years. The Spurs center recently put on his latest defensive masterclass, erasing seven shots in a matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves.