Victor Wembanyama’s unfortunate season-ending injury will have a significant impact on the San Antonio Spurs and NBA fans. It also shakes up the NBA Defensive Player of the Year race, now wide open for contenders.
Prior to the All-Star break, Wembanyama was a heavy favorite at -2500 to secure his first DPOY award at BetMGM. His impressive stats, leading the league in blocks and excelling in steals, defensive rebounds, and deflections, made him a standout candidate.
However, Wembanyama’s season came to an abrupt end due to a shoulder blood clot, leaving his future in uncertainty beyond this year. With his absence, the DPOY race has a new frontrunner at BetMGM, with Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies leading the pack, followed by other strong contenders.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds
-
Jaren Jackson Jr., -130
-
Evan Mobley, -110
-
Dyson Daniels, +1100
-
Lu Dort, +1400
-
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, +2000
-
Jalen Williams, +2000
-
Amen Thompson, +3500
-
Rudy Gobert, +5000
-
Bam Adebayo, +5000
-
Giannis Antetokounmpo, +10000
Jackson previously won the DPOY in the 2022-23 season, with his shot-blocking prowess standing out. Mobley, similar in style to Jackson, has been instrumental in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ strong defensive performance this season.
Furthermore, Daniels has been a standout guard defensively, leading in steals and deflections by a significant margin. The Oklahoma City Thunder also have a strong defensive presence, with Dort, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Williams making their mark.
In other award categories, Gilgeous-Alexander is a top contender for MVP, Castle for Rookie of the Year, Cunningham for Most Improved Player, and Pritchard for Sixth Man of the Year.