WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) Rankings 2024: Top 5 candidates ft. Breanna Stewart (Week 11)

The second half of the 2024 WNBA season started on a strong note, with some players confirming their status as serious candidates to win individual awards by the end of the regular season.

The WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award remains a coveted one, but not everybody can challenge for this honor. Players like Alanna Smith and Natasha Howard can still make a case to win it, but right now, there are five clear favorites to take it home.

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Top 5 WNBA DPOY candidates in 2024 after Week 11

#5, Azurá Stevens, LA Sparks

Los Angeles Sparks v Las Vegas Aces - Source: Getty

LA Sparks veteran Azurá Stevens got the edge over Alanna Smith for this spot after recording 0.7 steals and 1.7 blocks per game — 0.5 more than Smith in each stat in the first week after the All-Star break. Stevens has only appeared in seven games so far this season but she is averaging 5.3 defensive rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game.

#4, Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty

WNBA: JUN 23 New York Liberty at Atlanta Dream - Source: Getty

Breanna Stewart started the second half of this WNBA season seemingly more focused on the offensive end of the ball, averaging 22.5 points per game. That said, she still found time to go to war on defense. Stewart averaged 4.5 defensive rebounds along with 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in two games. For the season, she is averaging 7.3 defensive rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game.

#3, Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm

Seattle Storm v New York Liberty - Source: Getty

Ezi Magbegor is having a strong post-All-Star break with the Seattle Storm, posting 6.0 defensive rebounds and 2.5 blocks in two games. She's coming off a five-block performance against the Indiana Fever despite only recording 2.4 per game this season. She is also averaging 1.3 steals and 5.8 defensive rebounds this year.

#2, Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx

WNBA: MAY 23 Minnesota Lynx at Connecticut Sun - Source: Getty

Napheesa Collier is yet to record her first block in the post-All-Star period. However, she is doing well with steals, posting 2.0 per game in two duels for the Minnesota Lynx. The MVP candidate hasn't slowed down in her return to the court, grabbing 7.5 defensive rebounds, which is only .1 less than her regular-season average. She's averaging 2.2 steals and 1.3 blocks in 34.4 minutes per outing this campaign.

#1, A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

Los Angeles Sparks v Las Vegas Aces - Source: Getty

So much has been said about A'ja Wilson, yet she keeps shocking the world with her terrific performances. The veteran center leads the league in blocks per game, averaging 2.8. Her first two games back saw her grab 11 and 12 defensive rebounds, respectively, while also recording eight steals and five blocks.

Wilson averages 2.0 steals and 9.9 defensive rebounds in 26 WNBA games. After a tremendous first half of the season and the Olympic tournament, she's still going strong and pushing to reach new heights.