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The NBA has returned and the battle for the Defensive Player of the Year is officially underway!
With well-known shot blockers and skilled thieves at the forefront of the odds, this season promises to be a fiercely competitive race for the award.
The Defensive Player of the Year race is one of the most competitive award contests this season. Victor Wembanyama emerged as the early frontrunner.
Nevertheless, Chet Holmgren, Evan Mobley, and Rudy Gobert are strong contenders who could win the award.
Before we examine the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year picks, be sure to check out the best NBA Basketball Betting Sites.
2025 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds
| To Win 2025 NBA Defensive Player of the Year |  |  |  |
| Victor Wembanyama | -150 | -150 | -170 |
| Chet Holmgren | +350 | +350 | +350 |
| Anthony Davis | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 |
| Bam Adebayo | +1200 | +1200 | +1200 |
| Evan Mobley | +1400 | +1400 | +1400 |
| Rudy Gobert | +2500 | +2500 | +2500 |
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | +3300 | +3300 | +3300 |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | +3300 | +3300 | +3300 |
| OG Anunoby | +3500 | +3500 | +3500 |
| Alex Caruso | +4000 | +4000 | +4000 |
| Draymond Green | +6000 | +6000 | +6000 |
Click here for more regarding the best NBA Odds in the league on games and other award races.
Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama established himself as a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year in his rookie season. While he can match up with the best players in the league, his San Antonio Spurs team’s struggles limited his impact.
However, with a better roster and a year of experience under his belt, there’s every reason to believe Wemby will be a serious contender for the award in his sophomore season.
Victor Wembanyama becomes the first player in NBA history to record 25+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ assists, 5+ blocks, and 5+ 3PM in a game 📈
🔥 28 PTS
🔥 13 REB
🔥 7 AST
🔥 5 BLK
🔥 5 3PM
🔥 W pic.twitter.com/xNKwwOpNmS— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2024
He topped the league in blocks, boasting an impressive average of 3.6 per game—1.2 ahead of the nearest competitor. Last season, he was also one of just two players to average more than 2 blocks and 1 steal per game.
Last season Wemby finished runner-up to Rudy Gobert for the Defensive Player of the Year award, and oddsmakers have pegged him as the clear favorite this year at -170 odds.
Chet Holmgren
As a rookie last season, he averaged 2.3 blocks per game, ranking fifth in the NBA, and led the playoffs with 2.5 blocks. His offensive versatility and a significant defensive presence were crucial to the Thunder’s achievements last season.
The Thunder improved their defensive rating from 14th to 4th last season, allowing two fewer points per 100 possessions.
In the playoffs, they had a defensive rating of 105.6 with Holmgren on the floor, limiting opponents to 48.7% on 2-point shots and effectively addressing a critical need at center.
Chet Holmgren locking up 2 All-NBA players in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the perimeter
not only is Chet 3rd in blocks but he can hold his own against star wings as well pic.twitter.com/OGm34Rkex6
— Jase (@jasehoops) January 3, 2024
Holmgren averaged 2.3 blocks per game and significantly impacted opponents’ shooting, holding them to an 11.4% worse rim field-goal percentage during the regular season, which improved to 14.9% worse in the playoffs.
With added defensive support, Holmgren is poised to enhance his effectiveness for the Thunder this year. Although he didn’t make the All-Defensive Team, he’s a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.
His advantage over Wembanyama will be his role on one of the top teams in the Western Conference, leading a high-caliber defense.
Evan Mobley
Evan Mobley had a tough season in 2023-24. While his overall production remained relatively stable, his struggles with staying on the court significantly impacted his and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ growth.
After missing just 16 games in his first two seasons, he sat out 32 last year. When healthy, the Cavaliers boast one of the league’s top defenses. Mobley excels at defending both the perimeter and the paint, showcasing his versatility and impact throughout the game.
thinking about some of the absurd perimeter defense evan mobley put on tape last year against boston in the playoffs pic.twitter.com/dxIwmpceRn
— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) October 10, 2024
He ranks among the league’s best help defenders, with his length and athleticism making him a formidable shot-blocker.
His collaboration with Jarrett Allen has been crucial to his achievements. If both can maintain their availability, Mobley could emerge as a leading candidate for the Hakeem Olajuwon trophy this season.
Oddsmakers have tabbed Mobley with +1400 odds to win the award.
Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert won his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award last season. He’s tied for the most Defensive Player of the Year awards in NBA history and will walk into the Hall of Fame because of it.
However, securing a fifth Defensive Player of the Year award would set a new benchmark, and the Timberwolves will likely continue to excel, with Gobert serving as their defensive cornerstone.
Nevertheless, I’m skeptical that voters will grant him the trophy for a fifth time, which would make him the most accomplished defensive player in NBA history.
The villain Rudy Gobert. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/sY5oD1Cy1k
— Doc Naismith ℠ (@DocNaismith) October 27, 2024
Many players consider Gobert to be one of the most overrated in the NBA.
While he did play a pivotal role in helping the Timberwolves achieve the top ranking in points allowed per game (106.5) and defensive rating (109) last season, I don’t believe voters will give him the award again.
I also doubt he’ll lead the league in defensive win shares once more after recording 5.8 last season. Oddsmakers are in agreement placing a whopping +2500 price on Gobert to win the award for a fifth time.
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