With only days remaining in the 2024-2025 NBA regular season, the battle for the Defensive Player of the Year Award is more wide open than ever. Although it initially looked like Victor Wembanyama’s year, a serious injury knocked him out of contention and opened the way for new players.
The San Antonio Spurs’ French center was on his way to his first defensive award, but in February he was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder, forcing him to miss the rest of the season. Without him, the conversation has turned to five names: Evan Mobley, Jaren Jackson Jr., Draymond Green, Dyson Daniels and Luguentz Dort.
Inner strength and future courage
Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers has made an impressive leap in his fourth year in the league.
His ability to protect the rim and read plays has made him a defensive anchor.
In addition, winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award could skyrocket the value of his contract, making him eligible for a multi-million dollar extension.
It seemed like Victor Wembanyama's year
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The same goes for Jaren Jackson Jr. who already won this award in 2023.
Jackson currently has an option to become a free agent in 2026, but a second distinction as the best defender would allow him to negotiate a supermax contract.
Something the Memphis Grizzlies are already considering after freeing up salary space.
Perimeter defenders on the rise
Although the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award usually favors centers, Dyson Daniels’ work with the Atlanta Hawks has been outstanding.
The Australian leads the league in steals per game, and his impact on passing lanes is reminiscent of defensive legends like John Stockton.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort has been the bane of the opposition’s top scorers.
His intensity and ability to neutralize stars make him a serious candidate, especially considering OKC has the best collective defense in the NBA (defensive rating of 105.9, the best since 2020).
“Dort is like an elite cornerback in the NFL. The fact that he doesn’t have great stats is because opponents avoid blitzing him,” commented one league scout.
Who should win?
While Mobley and Jackson dominate the conversation for their influence under the rim, the perimeter impact of Dort and Daniels cannot be underestimated.
In a league where defensive versatility is key, the prize could go to either of them.
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