NBA DPOY Power Rankings: Top 5 early season leaders

#2 Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi is arguably the best two-way player in the league

During his stint in Toronto, Kawhi Leonard made it to the NBA's All-Defensive Second team and ensured that he carried the same energy into the postseason.

To start off his 2019-20 defensive campaign, the Klaw is averaging almost 1.9 steals per contest (accounting for 35% of the team's) in a Los Angeles Clippers uniform. Standing at 6-foot-7, he is securing almost 7 defensive boards every game, with a majestic defensive rating of 98.

As a result of load management due to knee issues, Leonard has played and started in only 19 games this season so far. But he has looked crisp and sharp while executing the team's defensive schemes.

He made it to the All-NBA Defensive Second team last year, and is in line to bag the DPOY award this season given the ideal setup in LA.

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#1 Anthony Davis

Davis leads the league in total blocks this year.

Coming off a disappointing year at New Orleans, Anthony Davis has now clearly announced his return on the world stage of basketball. His immaculate numbers on the offensive end would require a separate discussion, but let's focus on his defensive achievements and why he leads the DPOY race this year.

Davis is averaging a career-high 2.6 swats per game (second highest in the NBA). And while the Los Angeles Lakers are leading the league in blocks, he has been responsible for over 50% of their shot blocks this year so far.

His defensive rating sits at 104 at the moment and despite the abundance of length on the Lakers roster, he is pulling down 6.7 defensive boards per matchup.

Prior to his forgettable showing with the New Orleans Pelicans last year, Davis was a member of the All-Defensive First Team in 2018. He is en route to reclaiming his spot this year.