The Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) race is always one to watch closely, and this season is shaping up to be no different, with a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars vying for the coveted award. The spotlight is particularly on players like Victor Wembanyama, whose impressive performances and solid defensive metrics have grabbed attention.
Wembanyama's Impressive Season
Victor Wembanyama participated in 71 games last season, surpassing the minimum requirement of 65 games to qualify for the DPOY. The San Antonio Spurs' defensive stats with Wembanyama on the court were notable, allowing only 111.2 points per 100 possessions. However, his individual brilliance didn't translate into team success, as the Spurs finished 21st in defense and 14th in the Western Conference.
Since 2008, a trend has emerged where every DPOY winner has come from a team with a top-five defense that also made it to the playoffs. Although Wembanyama's individual stats are impressive, the team performance falls significantly short of this benchmark.
Mobley's Strong Contention
Evan Mobley, who finished third in the 2023 DPOY race, remains a strong contender this season, with +3000 odds for DPOY according to BetRivers. Mobley's consistently high performance and his team's competitive edge make him a formidable candidate. “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,” suggests a betting expert, signaling that timing could be everything in placing a bet on Mobley.
Dark Horse Candidates
OG Anunoby has +4000 odds for DPOY, making him an intriguing dark horse. Herb Jones and Jalen Suggs are further down the odds list at +7000 and +10000 respectively, yet they still have the potential to surprise fans and analysts alike with strong defensive performances.
Draymond Green, a past DPOY winner, finds himself with +15000 odds. While Green's experience and track record make him a fascinating prospect, these long odds reflect both the stiff competition and potentially his diminished role compared to past seasons.
The Thunder's Defensive Setup
The Oklahoma City Thunder are another team to watch in the DPOY conversation. The Thunder were the fourth-ranked defense last season and made significant defensive upgrades in the offseason. "The Thunder ranked No. 4 last season, and then added the second- and fifth-ranked defensive players in all of basketball by EPM in the offseason,” highlights their commitment to maintaining and improving their defensive stature.
Despite these enhancements, Josh Giddey’s defensive performance last season was subpar by EPM metrics, despite his playing more than half of the team’s games. How the Thunder manage this dynamic will be critical in determining their defensive success and potential candidates for DPOY.
Conclusion
As the season progresses, the race for Defensive Player of the Year will undoubtedly feature thrilling twists and turns. With players like Wembanyama, Mobley, and even long shots like Green in the mix, fans are in for an exciting defensive showcase. The blend of individual brilliance and team performance will be instrumental in crowning this season's DPOY.