WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) Rankings 2024: Top 5 candidates ft. Elizabeth Williams (Week 5)

The 2024 WNBA season is getting hotter by the day. While some teams are drifting away from competitors, others are finding their rhythm and heating up after a slow start to the season.

Multiple players are also making a case for major awards, including the MVP and Sixth Player of the Year. Defensive specialists also have had a notable season and the top five candidates to win the Defensive Player of the Year award are battling night in and night out to secure this trophy.

These are the five best candidates to take this award home at the end of the season.

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WNBA DPOY Power Rankings 2024 after Week 5

#5. Cameron Brink, LA Sparks

Cameron Brink's start to the season was highlighted by her block numbers. At some point, the LA Sparks forward was the best blocker in the league. She's still in the top three in the competition with 2.5 blocks per game. Moreover, her stealing abilities have improved and she now averages 1.1 steals per game.

#4. Elizabeth Williams, Chicago Sky

Elizabeth Williams is probably the most consistent player on this list. The Chicago Sky center/forward boasted better numbers in prior weeks, but she still stays among the best WNBA defenders this season. Williams ranks eighth in blocks in the WNBA with 1.7 per game (55.6% of the team's blocks). She sits 11th in steals with 1.7 spg.

#3. Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm

Ezi Magbegor's performance level has improved since Week 3 of the 2024 WNBA season. The Seattle Storm forward/center leads the league in blocks (2.8 bpg) while also posting 1.6 spg with the up-and-coming Storm. Besides being a candidate for this award, she's also a contender for the Most Improved Player of the Year award.

#2. Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx

After leading this ranking during the first four weeks of competition, Napheesa Collier has lost the top spot on the list. The Minnesota Lynx star is having a notable season, averaging 2.5 spg (second in the league) and 1.5 bpg, which keep her a top candidate for this award.

#1. A'ja Wilson, LV Aces

A'ja Wilson leads both the MVP and DPOY award lists. The LV Aces star has played at a high level again this season. Out of the five players on this list, she ranks in the top 10 of both steals and blocks, posting 1.7 spg (10th in the league) and 2.5 bpg (second in the WNBA).

Wilson is having a tremendous season and if she keeps this level, she could make history by winning the MVP and DPOY trophies in the same season.