NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after week 9 ft. Draymond Green

With Christmas Day come and gone, the NBA has passed its first big noteable date of the season. Even the Defensive Player of the Year race has become a bit of a runaway, numerous players continue to build a strong case.

In terms of team defense, the OKC Thunder are the best in the league in terms of defensive rating (103.0). What is most impressive about this feat is they've done it without the services of Chet Holmgren. Other teams in the top five include the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies.

As the NBA regular season rages on, here is an updated look at the power rankings for DPOY.

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NBA Defensive Player of the Year power rankings: 2024-25 season

5) Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Kicking off this list is a player who has come and gone on these rankings, Draymond Green. The former DPOY continues to be an impactful player defensively for the Golden State Warriors despite being in the later stage of his career.

Green is averaging over a steal and block per game on the season and has put together some strong defensive showings as of late. He recently had a four-block night against the LA Lakers and picked up three steals and a block in a loss to the Indiana Pacers.

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4) Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Along with working his way into the MVP conversation, Giannis Antetokounmpo has positioned himself to potentially secure a second DPOY. His work on that end of the floor is a big reason why the Milwaukee Bucks have drastically turned things around.

Before missing a handful of games due to illness, Giannis was on a dominant run defensively. In a four-game stretch, the superstar forward totaled 11 blocks and seven steals.

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3) Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Rounding out the top three is another former DPOY, Jaren Jackson Jr. As mentioned previously, the Grizzlies center has helped lead them to a top-five defense in the NBA.

Over the weekend, Jackson Jr. had one of his best overall games of the season. Along with erupting for 33 points against the New Orleans Pelicans, he racked up four steals and three blocks.

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2) Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks

Firmly planted in the No. 2 spot is Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks. He leads the NBA in steals per game, averaging over three a game. Through the first two months of the season, he's arguably been the league's best perimeter defender.

Over his last three games, Daniels has totaled an impressive 15 steals. He racked up eight against the Minnesota Timberwolves and had a six-steal outing in a matchup with the Grizzlies.

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1) Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Once again coming in at the top spot is San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama. He's by far been the most impactful defender in the NBA and is the clear frontrunner for DPOY.

Wembanyama is on pace to take home the blocks title for a second straight year, averaging four a night. He's erased at least five shots in three of his last five games, including a 10-block night against the Portland Trail Blazers.