NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) Rankings 2023-24: Top 5 candidates after Week 23 ft. Herbert Jones

As the 2023-24 NBA season draws to a close with only two weeks left, it is safe to say that the winner of the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award has been determined.

Despite one star center solidifying his frontrunner status, the competition for the other two spots as finalists for DPOY remains highly contested. One non-big man, however, is making a strong argument for being included in the conversation.

With that being said, the following are the top five contenders for DPOY after Week 23.

Updated NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) Standings as Regular Season Winds Down

#5: Herbert Jones’ Career Highlights

The New Orleans Pelicans (45-29) have continued to excel on defense, with a defensive rating of 107.2 in March, ranking them third in the NBA. This impressive performance has solidified their overall defensive standing, placing them in fourth place with a season-long defensive rating of 111.4.

Herbert Jones’ ability to defend multiple positions has been crucial to the Pelicans’ success. With him on the court, their defensive rating rises to 110.5, which would place them third in the league.

Jones has proven to be a formidable defender, as opponents are only shooting 42.9%, 61.0% from within six feet of the rim, and 30.6% from 3-point range against him. Additionally, he ranks third in the NBA for contesting an average of 3.4 3-pointers per game.

During the course of 68 games, Jones has consistently recorded an average of 1.3 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. However, in Week 23, he raised his averages to 2.3 steals and 1.3 blocks per game in just three games.

During Thursday’s 107-100 home win over the Milwaukee Bucks, the 25-year-old’s defensive prowess was on full display. Jones recorded an impressive four steals and three blocks, contributing to New Orleans’ notable victory.

#4 Miami Heat’s Rising Star: Bam Adebayo

During Week 23, Bam Adebayo, the star center for the Miami Heat, performed well and helped lead the team to a 2-1 record with averages of 10.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game over the course of three games.

During Friday’s 142-82 blowout home win against the Portland Trail Blazers, his standout performance was on full display. The three-time All-Star recorded 12 rebounds, two steals, and one block, contributing to Miami’s largest victory margin in franchise history of 60 points.

Despite ranking sixth in defensive rating (111.7) for the season, Miami’s defensive performance significantly improves to 109.1 when Adebayo is on the floor, making it equivalent to the second best defense in the league.

Despite facing tough competition, Adebayo has managed to hold his opponents to a shooting percentage of 43.8%, which is 5.5% lower than their average. Within six feet, they are shooting 57.8%, which is 6.1% lower, and from deep they are shooting 33.1%, which is 2.4% lower. Additionally, Adebayo’s impressive performance has earned him a spot in the top eight rebounders in the NBA with 10.7 rebounds per game, and he is also averaging a combined 2.2 steals and blocks through 63 games.

Despite not having the most flashy defensive game, the 26-year-old has established himself as a potential candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.

#3: The Rise of Anthony Davis

During Week 23, Anthony Davis, the star center of the LA Lakers, showcased his dominance by averaging 17.3 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 2.3 blocks over the course of three games. Despite Davis’ impressive performance, the Lakers (42-33) only managed to win two out of the three games with him on the court.

Davis’ most impressive defensive display of the season occurred in Tuesday’s thrilling 128-124 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks on the road. The nine-time All-Star dominated the boards with 23 rebounds and also contributed two steals and four blocks, including a crucial game-saving block that forced a double overtime.

Despite ranking 15th in defensive rating (115.0), the Lakers have shown a slight improvement with Davis on the court (114.5). This further highlights the strong defensive impact he has been making.

Despite facing strong opponents, Davis has successfully restricted their shooting percentages to 47.5% (-2.4%) overall and 57.0% (-7.3%) from within six feet. In addition, he has defended against the seventh highest number of 2-point shots (7.9) and the fourth highest number of total shots per game (11.2) in the NBA.

Moreover, after 70 games, the 2020 NBA champion holds the third position for rebounds with an average of 12.7 rebounds per game and is ranked fourth for blocks with an average of 2.4 blocks per game.

If the Lakers continue to perform well, Davis will likely be considered a top candidate for the DPOY award.

#2 Rising Star: Victor Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs (18-57) saw an improvement in Week 23, winning 3 out of 4 games, thanks in large part to the impressive performance of rookie standout Victor Wembanyama. The 2023 top draft pick averaged 12.3 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 3.0 blocks in three games played.

During Friday’s 130-126 overtime home win over the New York Knicks, Wembanyama stood out with his impressive 20-rebound performance, as well as two steals and one block.

Despite San Antonio’s defensive rating of 116.5, which places them at 22nd in the league, the team has relied heavily on Wembanyama to maintain any level of competitiveness. With him on the court, their defensive rating improves to 111.1, placing them at fourth in the league. However, in his absence, their defensive rating drops significantly to 119.1, ranking them at 28th.

Wembanyama is reducing opponents’ shooting percentages by 5.3% overall (45.3% to 53.1%), within six feet by 11.3% (from 53.1% to 34.8%), and from 3 by 1.8% (34.8% to 33%).

Additionally, in the span of 66 games, the 20-year-old has achieved the top spot in blocks (3.4 bpg) and the 12th spot in rebounding (10.5 rpg).

Despite his impressive performance, Wembanyama’s chances of claiming the top spot in the DPOY race are hindered by the Spurs’ ongoing struggles.

#1 Jazz Center Rudy Gobert Dominates the Court

In Week 23, Rudy Gobert, the star center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, continued to solidify his case for DPOY. Throughout three games, he maintained an average of 12.0 rebounds per game, as well as 0.7 steals and 2.0 blocks, contributing to Minnesota’s 2-1 record with his impressive performance.

During the crucial 111-98 victory against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, Gobert’s standout performance included 12 rebounds and three blocks.

Despite changes in the Timberwolves’ roster, Gobert continues to hold a crucial role in maintaining their NBA-best defense with a rating of 108.2. This rating improves even further to 106.3 when he is on the court.

Despite facing tough competition, Gobert’s defensive skills have limited his opponents to a mere 43.2% shooting percentage, resulting in a decrease of 6.7%. Within six feet, his opponents have only managed to shoot 48.0%, which is a significant decrease of 15.3%. Additionally, Gobert has held his opponents to a 32.4% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, a decrease of 3.5%. Notably, Gobert ranks third in contested 2-point shots with an average of 9.4 per game and fifth in contested shots with an average of 11.1 per game.

Additionally, in 68 games, Gobert holds the second spot for rebounds with an average of 12.9 per game, and ranks sixth in blocks with an average of 2.1 per game.

Despite having only eight games remaining, the 31-year-old’s DPOY odds on FanDuel are currently at -1200, indicating that he is poised to secure the award for a fourth time, potentially tying the record.

To view the DPOY rankings from last week, click here.