Defence wins championships, and in the 2024–25 NBA season, several players showcased elite defensive prowess that anchored their teams' successes. While Evan Mobley emerged as the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), the competition was fierce, with multiple contenders making compelling cases.
Top NBA Defensive Player Contenders 2025
Evan Mobley
Evan Mobley's ascension to the NBA's defensive elite culminated in him securing the 2024–25 DPOY award, making history as the first Cleveland Cavaliers player to earn this honour. At just 23, he joins a select group of players who have achieved this feat at such a young age.
- Blocks per Game: 1.59 (6th in NBA)
- Defensive Rebounds per Game: 7.0 (13th in NBA)
- Shots Contested per Game: 10.4 (3rd among players with ≥70% games played)
- Opponent FG% When Closest Defender: 44.5% (3.2% below expected)
- Team Defensive Rating with Mobley: 108.6 (would rank 2nd league-wide)
Mobley's impact was pivotal in the Cavaliers achieving a 64–18 record, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference. His versatility allowed him to guard multiple positions effectively, and his presence elevated Cleveland's defensive metrics significantly.
Dyson Daniels
Atlanta Hawks' guard Dyson Daniels earned the moniker "Great Barrier Thief" for his exceptional defensive instincts and tenacity. Leading the league with 3.01 steals per game and totalling 202 steals, Daniels became the youngest player in NBA history to record 200 steals in a single season.
- Steals per Game: 3.01 (1st in NBA)
- Total Deflections: 366 (1st in NBA)
- Combined Steals and Blocks ("Stocks"): 229
- DPOY Voting: 25 first-place votes, 197 total points (2nd place)
Despite his statistical dominance, Daniels finished as the runner-up in DPOY voting. His contributions were recognised with the NBA Most Improved Player award, underscoring his breakout season.
Draymond Green
Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green, at 35, continued to be a defensive stalwart. His leadership and versatility were instrumental in the Warriors' defensive schemes.
- DPOY Voting: 15 first-place votes, 154 total points (3rd place)
- All-Defensive First Team Selections: 5
- Total All-Defensive Team Selections: 9
- Team Defensive Rating Post-February 8: 1st in NBA
Green's ability to guard multiple positions and his high basketball IQ kept him among the league's defensive elite.
Other Notable Defensive Standouts
Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets): In just his second season, Thompson earned All-Defensive First Team honours. His versatility allowed him to guard positions 1 through 4 effectively. He averaged 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game, contributing to the Rockets' top-five defensive rating.
Luguentz Dort (Oklahoma City Thunder): Known for his perimeter defence, Dort's physicality and tenacity earned him a spot on the All-Defensive First Team.
Toumani Camara (Portland Trail Blazers): Camara's defensive efforts were recognised with a Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month award in February. He was the only player in the West to record 50+ defensive rebounds, 20+ steals, and 10+ blocks during that month.
DPOY Voting Summary
| Player | First-Place Votes | Total Points |
|---|---|---|
| Evan Mobley | 35 | 285 |
| Dyson Daniels | 25 | 197 |
| Draymond Green | 15 | 154 |
| Luguentz Dort | 11 | 109 |
| Amen Thompson | 9 | 93 |
The 2024–25 NBA season showcased a blend of emerging talents and seasoned veterans excelling defensively. Evan Mobley's historic achievement set a new standard for the Cavaliers, while players like Dyson Daniels and Amen Thompson signalled a promising future for defensive excellence in the league. As the NBA continues to evolve, the emphasis on versatile and impactful defence remains paramount.
Also Read: Top NBA Scorers in the 2024-25 Season list
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Akanksha Sinha
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