Unexpected Twist: Who’s Suddenly Leading the Race for NBA Defensive Player of the Year?

Here we go again—before the season’s even tipped off, we’re already knee-deep in the preseason buzz, debating who’s got the chops to snag the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year crown. And if you asked me to put my chips on the table right now? It’s hard to bet against Victor Wembanyama. The guy’s like a human wall — literally — and the latest odds have him sitting pretty as the clear favorite, with -155 odds to boot. But is this just the usual hype machine revving up, or is Wembanyama about to finally claim the throne he was eyeing last season before that pesky health setback bench-warmed his chances? The league’s packed with defensive aces, from Holmgren’s nimble disruptions to Thompson’s rising roar—but this year, the Spurs’ big man looks ready to prove that size, smarts, and raw defensive prowess still rule the hardwood. So, will he turn those odds into hardware, or is there a surprise lurking in the shadows? Let’s dive in and unpack why this race might just be the most gripping watch before the ball even drops.

2023 NBA Summer League - Portland Trail Blazers v Houston Rockets — (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The new NBA season hasn’t even started, but people are already talking about who will win major end-of-season awards.

One of the most coveted is Defensive Player of the Year, and right now, there is a clear odds-on favorite for that prize.

According to ProphetX, Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs is the easy favorite to win DPOY with -155 odds.

And just like the Rookie of the Year race a few seasons ago, Wembanyama is followed by Chet Holmgren with +700.

Behind them are Amen Thompson and Anthony Davis with +2000, Dyson Daniels with +2200, and Draymond Green with +2500.

Victor Wembanyama is the heavy favorite to win DPOY, per @PlayProphetX

Victor Wembanyama -155
Chet Holmgren +700
Amen Thompson +2000
Anthony Davis +2000
Dyson Daniels +2200
Draymond Green +2500

(Via https://t.co/F1e8y6aqXE) pic.twitter.com/q5V32jVfG0

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 1, 2025

A lot of people thought Wembanyama was going to win Defensive Player of the Year last season.

He was also the odds-on favorite for the trophy during the 2024-25 season, but he then faced a health problem that took him off the court early and eliminated him from contention for the prize.

But now Wembanyama is healed and ready to play for the whole year.

At this point, if he doesn’t win DPOY, people will be shocked.

During his first two seasons in the league, he has shown that he’s a huge defensive threat.

Due to his size, reach, youth, and on-court intelligence, Wembanyama is able to shut down just about anyone.

Even though he’s leading the pack right now, it may not stay that way.

Holmgren is also a defensive beast, and Thompson has been making a lot of noise with his defensive skills, too.

If Wembanyama wins, it’ll be a testament to his greatness because everyone else on this list is terrific.

Wembanyama wanted this trophy last year but missed out, and he is looking to finally earn it in 2025-26.

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