The Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award has always been a pinnacle of recognition for NBA players who excel on the defensive end of the court. This prestigious accolade, however, does not come easily, and the qualifications are as stringent as ever. To be eligible for the DPOY, a player must participate in at least 65 games in the season – a significant commitment and a testament to endurance and resilience.
Victor Wembanyama, standing tall as one of the standout defensive players, participated in 71 games last season, comfortably surpassing the minimum requirement. Despite his individual brilliance, the San Antonio Spurs, his team, faced challenges that couldn’t be overlooked. The Spurs ranked 21st in defense and finished 14th in the Western Conference – a far cry from the top-five defensive ranking often associated with past DPOY winners. Nevertheless, Wembanyama's impact was undeniable; the Spurs allowed only 111.2 points per 100 possessions when he was on the court, highlighting his crucial role in their defensive efforts.
The criteria for winning the DPOY go beyond individual performance. Since 2008, every winner has been from a team with a top-five defense and a place in the playoffs. This precedent makes it significantly difficult for players from teams with lower defensive rankings to claim the award, regardless of their personal statistics. Evan Mobley, for instance, finished third in the 2023 DPOY race and now has +3000 odds for the award with BetRivers. Mobley's prowess is unquestionable, but the performance of his team will undeniably play a pivotal role in his quest for the DPOY.
Bets and odds are also an intriguing aspect of the DPOY conversation. OG Anunoby sits with +4000 odds, Herb Jones at +7000, Jalen Suggs at +10000, and seasoned veteran Draymond Green at +15000. The fluctuation of these odds often reflects not just the players' performances but the overall defensive integrity of their respective teams. A shrewd piece of advice from seasoned observers would be: "My advice would be to wait a month or two and see if there's ever an injury scare that gives you more favorable odds."
Among these contenders, the Oklahoma City Thunder present an interesting case. The Thunder was the fourth-ranked defense last season, a commendable feat. To bolster their defensive capabilities further, they added the second- and fifth-ranked defensive players in all of basketball by Effective Plus-Minus (EPM) in the offseason. This strategic move underscores their commitment to maintaining a formidable defense. However, not all defensive metrics were in their favor; Josh Giddey was the worst defender by EPM on the Thunder, despite his considerable playing time. This dichotomy within the team’s defense showcases the complexities and nuances involved in building and sustaining a top-tier defense in the NBA.
The road to the DPOY is laden with challenges, influenced by both individual performance and team success. As the season progresses, the standings and statistics will undoubtedly evolve, offering fresh narratives and altering the landscape of potential candidates. The Thunder, with their strategic offseason additions, and the individual brilliance of players like Wembanyama, Mobley, and others, ensure that the race for the DPOY remains as competitive and compelling as ever.