NBA DPOY Candidates: A Rookie Amongst Veterans Battle for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award

San Antonio Spurs v Minnesota Timberwolves

(Photo : (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)) MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 27: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves goes to the basket against Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first quarter at Target Center on February 27, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Spurs 114-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

The 2023-24 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award race is now heating up.

The race to win the NBA DPOY so far has held an exciting field with several players ranging from the rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama to a ten-year defensive specialist in Rudy Gobert.

Only one player could take home one of the NBA's best individual achievements outside of the MVP.

NBA DPOY Candidates: Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves)

As it currently stands, Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert leads the pack for the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

The big man, throughout his time in the Twin Cities, Gobert has turned Minnesota into a top defensive team in the league, which as a result has transformed the Timberwolves into a top team in the NBA Western Conference.

Rudy Gobert is currently averaging 2.1 blocks per game and has a defensive rating of 104.4 this season.

It would be Gobert's fourth time winning the DPOY award throughout his career. He seems primed to snag another one, making him the third player in NBA history to win the prize four times; alongside Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace.

NBA DPOY Candidates: Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)

Victor Wembanyama may be the favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award, but he can also win the Defensive Player of the Year award as well.

So far this season, the French sensation is leading the league in blocks at 3.5 per game.

He has also passed the eye test, becoming a menace patrolling the rim and a pest on pick-and-rolls. Wembanyama has shown the ability to be a good switch defender, using his height as an advantage over smaller players.

Stellar defense has yet to translate into wins for Wembanyama and the Spurs. But still in his first year, Wembanyama has put together a convincing case to take home the award.

NBA DPOY Candidates: Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)

There's no doubt that Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis has always been impressive on the defensive side of the court.

This continues to be the case as the 31-year-old remains elite for the Lakers defensively.

Despite the Lakers' being in the middle of the pack in defensive rank (Ranked 18), Anthony Davis has continued to be an anchor for this team.

He is averaging 2.5 blocks, which is fifth in the NBA and is averaging 1.2 steals per game. Davis also has a defensive rating and box of 110.

Anthony Davis has been the primary shot blocker for the Lakers, even at times taking defensive responsibility off of LeBron James.

Davis' bid for DPOY has picked up some more steam recently, as the Lakers have picked up their game after the All-Star break.

NBA DPOY Candidates: Jarrett Allen (Cleveland Cavaliers)

Jarrett Allen has been one of the best defensive anchors in the NBA throughout his career, especially now with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His defensive reign will only continue as Allen has propelled the Cavaliers to becoming one of the best defensive clubs in the NBA.

Allen so far this season averages 1.2 blocks and 7.5 defensive rebounds per game, and has a defensive win-share total of 3.6.

Thanks to Jarrett Allen's defensive play along with Evan Mobley, the Cavaliers are experiencing one of their best seasons post-LeBron; which makes Allen a prime candidate to win the DPOY.