NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after week 8 ft. Anthony Davis

As Christmas Day approaches, we are just past the quarter mark of the NBA season. The action has picked up following the in-season tournament, and players continue to build their case for seasonal awards.

In regards to DPOY, one player has continued to be the clear favorite for the hardware. That being San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama. Earlier this week, the former No. 1 pick entered elite company for his efforts on the defensive end.

With another week of play in the books, here is a dive into the latest DPOY power rankings.

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NBA DPOY power raknings for week 8: 2024-25 season

5) Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers

Kicking off this week's list is a new face, Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers. The two-time blocks champ has turned things up a notch defensively in his recent stretch.

Turner has regularly been in the conversation for best defensive big in the NBA, and he's reminded people why as of late. He currently sits fourth in blocks per game at 2.1 and is fresh off a four-block night against the New Orleans Pelicans.

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4) Anthony Davis, LA Lakers

Next up is another new face on these power rankings, LA Lakers star Anthony Davis. Through the first two months of the season, the former No. 1 pick has been among the top two-way performers in the association.

Earlier this week, Davis put on one of his best defensive showings of the season. He racked up six blocks and three steals in 35 minutes in a win against the Sacramento Kings. On the year, AD is averaging 2.2 blocks and 1.3 steals a night.

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3) Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

A player who has slowly climbed up the DPOY power rankings in Giannis Antetokounmpo. The former MVP has been one of the NBA's most dominant stars as of late, getting it done on both ends of the floor.

Over his last five games, Giannis has racked up at least 3 blocks and a steal on three occasions. He also shined in the NBA Cup finals against the OKC Thunder, grabbing 19 rebounds to go along with two steals and three blocks.

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2) Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks

Staying at No. 2 is Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels. He continues to lead the league in steals, averaging three a game.

Daniels has gotten back on a hot streak of putting up high steals numbers. In his most recent outing, he swiped the ball away six times in 29 minutes against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Some players are on his heels, Daniels remains a top-two candidate for DPOY.

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1) Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Remaining in the top spot is arguably the NBA's best defensive player, Victor Wembanyama. He remains the frontrunner as he adds a historic outing to his resumé.

In a win over the Portland Trail Blazers Saturday, Wembanyama recorded 30 points and 10 blocks. He became just the sixth player in history to achieve this feat, joining the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Hakeem Olajuwon.

Along with etching his name in the history books, Wembanyama is on pace to lead the league in blocks for the second straight season.