This is the final look at the NBA Defensive Player of the Year race for the 2025-26 regular season. Victor Wembanyama enters as a heavy favorite across sportsbooks, and this could be the start of a long run of DPOY dominance for the French superstar.
Wembanyama is followed by Chet Holmgren and Rudy Gobert, with Scottie Barnes, Ausar Thompson, Derrick White, and Bam Adebayo in the mix for the remaining spots on the ballot.
1. Victor Wembanyama
There isn’t much debate here. Wembanyama is the Defensive Player of the Year.
San Antonio’s defense sits just behind Oklahoma City’s when Wembanyama is on the floor. Without him, the Spurs fall to a bottom-10 unit, even with the strong play of All-Defense candidate Stephon Castle.
Since the start of February, Wembanyama is averaging 4.9 stocks per game while the Spurs have gone 26-2. His defensive impact has driven that surge.
2. Chet Holmgren
Holmgren’s 1.9 blocks per game would headline most DPOY cases, but they’re overshadowed here.
There’s always an argument for the best defender on the league’s top defense, but Holmgren doesn’t carry the same burden. Oklahoma City is loaded defensively, and the Thunder remain strong even when he’s off the floor, posting a 110.4 defensive rating in those minutes.
Holmgren is an elite defender and arguably more versatile on the perimeter, but his overall impact doesn’t match Wembanyama’s role in San Antonio.
3. Rudy Gobert
There was a stretch when Wembanyama was sidelined that Gobert looked like a legitimate contender to add his fifth DPOY.
That momentum faded once Wembanyama returned and Minnesota slipped defensively. The Timberwolves rank ninth in defensive rating in the second half of the season.
Gobert remains effective, but there are signs of slight decline. He ranks 17th in opponent field goal percentage at the rim among qualified players, while Holmgren sits second.
4. Scottie Barnes
Barnes brings a rare combination of versatility and defensive responsibility.
He consistently takes on difficult assignments while also carrying a significant offensive role. Despite occasional lighter matchups, few players handle that level of two-way workload.
Toronto lacks elite defensive depth, which makes Barnes central to the team’s identity. His impact has helped the Raptors post a top-10 defensive rating.
5. Ausar Thompson
Thompson deserves a spot on any serious DPOY ballot.
He leads the league in defensive estimated plus/minus and steals per game. Detroit’s rise to second in defensive rating is closely tied to his presence.
The Pistons have enough defensive depth to remain competitive without him, but they are clearly better when he’s on the floor. Thompson also ranks seventh in matchup difficulty, highlighting the level of responsibility he carries.
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