Victor Wembanyama is not just a defensive player; he's a defensive *system*. In his rookie year (2023-24), he averaged 3.6 blocks and 1.2 steals per game, numbers that only scratch the surface of his impact. Opponents shot a paltry 48.7% at the rim against him, a figure that would make most centers blush. Thing is, he doesn't just block shots at the rim; he’s swatting them from the perimeter, tracking guards on switches, and generally making offensive players rethink their entire approach. His on-court defensive rating in 2023-24 was 109.8, while off-court it ballooned to 118.5 – an 8.7 point swing that speaks volumes. For 2025-26, with another two years of strength and understanding, his defensive ceiling is genuinely uncharted territory. He’ll be contending for DPOY for the next decade.
Then there’s Rudy Gobert. The man is a three-time DPOY for a reason. In 2023-24, leading the Timberwolves to a top-tier defense, Gobert averaged 2.1 blocks and 0.7 steals. His real value, though, is in deterrence and defensive rebounding. Opponent field goal percentage at the rim dropped by over 10 percentage points when Gobert was the primary defender. His 2023-24 on-court defensive rating of 107.5 compared to the T-Wolves’ 114.2 off-court rating shows how integral he is to their identity. He might not have Wembanyama's agility on the perimeter, but his sheer size and impeccable timing still make the paint a no-fly zone. He’s the anchor every great defense craves, even if some fans still underrate his consistent impact in the modern game.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is a different beast entirely. He’s a shot-blocking machine who can also guard multiple positions. In 2022-23, he led the league with 3.0 blocks per game, adding 1.0 steals. While his defensive rebounding numbers aren’t elite for a big, his ability to contest shots (averaging over 6.0 contested shots per game in 2023-24) and generate deflections (around 2.5 per contest) makes him a disruptive force. The Grizzlies’ defense, when healthy, is built around his unique blend of length and athleticism. His on-court defensive rating in 2023-24 was 110.1, jumping to 115.3 when he sat. The only real knock is foul trouble, but two more years of experience should help him clean that up.
Anthony Davis remains one of the league’s most versatile defenders. He's not just a rim protector (2.3 blocks per game in 2023-24); he can switch onto guards, hound wings, and gobble up defensive rebounds (10.4 RPG in 2023-24). His ability to easily transition from guarding Nikola Jokic in the post to shadowing Jamal Murray on the perimeter is what makes him elite. The Lakers' defensive rating with Davis on the court in 2023-24 was 110.5, a significant improvement over the 116.8 when he was off. His 1.2 steals per game further highlight his active hands. If he stays healthy, which is always the biggest caveat with AD, he’s a shoe-in for DPOY consideration year in and year out.
Then there’s Bam Adebayo. The Heat’s defensive engine. He rarely gets the gaudy block numbers (0.9 BPG in 2023-24) or steal numbers (1.1 SPG), but his impact is felt in every possession. He guards 1 through 5, directs traffic, and rarely gets caught out of position. He averages north of 3.5 deflections per game and his ability to contain dribble penetration is second to none among centers. The Heat’s defensive rating with Adebayo on the floor in 2023-24 was 109.2, a testament to his anchor presence. Without him, it climbed to 114.7. He’s the embodiment of Miami’s gritty, switch-heavy defense, and arguably the most underrated defensive player in the league because his impact is often subtle, not statistical.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander might surprise some on this list, but his defensive improvement has been stark. He averaged 2.0 steals per game in 2023-24, leading the league in total steals. What’s more, his deflections were consistently high, often topping 4.0 per game. He’s become a legitimate two-way superstar, leveraging his length and anticipation to blow up plays. The Thunder’s defensive rating with SGA on the floor was 109.5 in 2023-24. His off-court rating was 112.3, a smaller but still impactful swing. He's not guarding centers, but his relentless pressure on ball-handlers and opportunistic steals directly lead to transition offense.
Jr. Holiday, even at an older age, remains an elite perimeter defender. His defensive rating in 2023-24 was around 110.0 with the Celtics. His strength, lateral quickness, and understanding of defensive schemes make him incredibly difficult to score against. While his steal numbers might dip slightly with age (1.2 SPG in 2023-24), his ability to body up bigger guards and disrupt passing lanes is invaluable. He averages over 2.5 deflections per game and constantly forces tough shots. He’s the guy you trust to guard the opposing team’s best perimeter scorer in crunch time, plain and simple.
Marcus Smart, if he can stay healthy, is another player whose defensive intensity is contagious. After moving to Memphis, he continued to be a menace. In 2023-24, he averaged 1.7 steals and brought a level of physicality that few guards possess. His defensive rating on-court was 111.0, and when he was off, it climbed to 115.8. He’s a high-motor player who fights over screens, dives for loose balls, and communicates constantly. His deflections are consistently high, often leading to transition opportunities for his team. He's a pitbull on defense, and every team needs one.
My bold prediction for 2025-26: Victor Wembanyama not only wins Defensive Player of the Year but also becomes the first player since Hakeem Olajuwon in 1993-94 to lead the league in blocks *and* steals. His defensive evolution is going to be truly unprecedented.
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