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The WNBA Defensive Player of the Year is one of the most coveted awards in the league. A'ja Wilson, a top contender for this title, has been a force to be reckoned with all season. But the Las Vegas Aces superstar has found a couple of worthy opponents in her way to retaining the award she's taken home the past two seasons.
It's time to take a look at the final ranking for this award. This includes players who posted solid performances on defense but weren't as consistent as Wilson or the other two candidates to take it home.
Top 5 WNBA DPOY candidates in 2024
5. Alanna Smith, Minnesota Lynx
Alanna Smith was a very good defender for the Minnesota Lynx this season, helping Napheesa Collier and company turn this team into one of the best in the league.
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Last week though, she posted just 1.0 steals and barely 0.3 blocks per game, picking 6.0 defensive rebounds and posting a 76.5 defensive rating.
For the season, she averages 4.0 DREB, 1.4 spg and 1.5 bpg, becoming one of the premier defenders in the WNBA.
4. Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm
Ezi Magbegor was a menace on defense this season, although she was one or two steps below the three players ahead of her on the list. She finished Week 14 with 2.0 bpg and only 0.5 spg, but her DEF RTG of 108.4 was remarkable.
Magbegor averages 5.8 DREB, 1.1 spg and 2.2 bpg for the Storm, becoming one of the best defenders on the team and keeping that title even after Gabby Williams' return.
3. Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
Napheesa Collier was one of the best two-way players in the WNBA this season, and Week 14 was remarkable for her. The Minnesota Lynx star posted 1.7 bpg and 2.3 spg, recording another eye-popping week where she led the Lynx to three wins.
She has posted 7.5 DREB, 1.9 spg and 1.3 bpg in 33 games, becoming a solid candidate not only to win the DPOY but also the MVP of the season.
2. Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty
New York Liberty superstar Breanna Stewart didn't have the best week, defensively speaking. The reigning MVP only recorded 0.7 spg and 0.7 bpg with 5.3 DREB and a DEF RTG of 105.7.
In 36 games, she has posted 7.0 DREB, 1.7 spg and 1.3 bpg, becoming one of the best two-way players in the league, leading the Liberty to post the best record in the entire WNBA.
1. A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
A'ja Wilson was a strong force from start to finish, being the only good thing the Aces had to show at times and the only hope they had to win games. The veteran center is entering the playoff at the highest level, posting a 94.1 DEF RTG last week, to go with 11.3 DREB, 1.0 spg and 2.3 bpg.
If that wasn't enough, she's averaging 9.9 DREB, 1.8 spg and 2.6 bpg with the Aces, looking like the clear-cut favorite to win this award, her third consecutive one.
