Victor Wembanyama has returned from injury, yet he’s not been back long enough to regain favorite status in the NBA Defensive Player of the Year race. Chet Holmgren is the betting favorite ahead of Wemby, with Bam Adebayo and Amen Thompson in contention.
There are others to keep an eye on, of course, if Wembanyama or Holmgren miss a significant amount of time. This is my personal ranking, not a projection. FanDuel odds as of 12/18/25 are included for reference and betting context.
1. Victor Wembanyama (+380)
The games played threshold is all that threatens Wemby’s candidacy. He had three stocks against the Thunder, with the NBA Cup final not counting towards regular-season statistics.
The 4.6 stocks per game might be lower than his average last season, but that’s hardly much of a criticism. No one else is above three stocks per game. San Antonio has more than held its own without Wembanyama this season, but their defensive rating is still 12.1 points better with Wemby on the floor than off it.
On team impact and pure talent, there is no one close to Wembanyama on the defensive end. He is downright ferocious in the paint and has the lateral quickness to guard on the perimeter. It is his award if he plays 65 games.
2. Ausar Thompson (+2500)
Ausar Thompson doesn’t have the on/off differential that highlights how great Wemby is. He does, however, play a pivotal defensive role for the NBA’s second-best defense, and it’s not his fault the Pistons are still an elite defensive team when he’s on the bench.
Highly switchable and a great weak-side help defender capable of defending the cup, Thompson is vital for Detroit’s defensive gameplan. Sure, there are other plus defenders on the Pistons, but Thompson’s mix of fast-twitch athleticism and instincts make him a unique defender in the Eastern Conference.
It’s unlikely Thompson wins this award, and not just because of Wemby, but he would be a lock for the top three on my ballot if the season ended today.
3. Chet Holmgren (+145)
Favored by the books, Holmgren’s 2.09 stocks per game aren’t as impressive as Wemby’s numbers. They’re considerably lower than projected, particularly with the Thunder once again playing at a historically great level.
Still, Holmgren is perceived as the best defensive player on the Thunder. That alone isn’t enough to beat a healthy Wembanyama, however, especially with several other elite defenders on OKC, including Cason Wallace and Luguentz Dort.
What’s the route for Holmgren winning this award? OKC has to have an all-time great defense and his stock numbers need to be among the league leaders. There’s no question he’s brilliant on the defensive end, but that’s not enough in a crowded field.
4. Bam Adebayo(+650)
Miami is fourth in defensive rating. Their roster is more balanced than it’s been in recent years, yet their defense remains incredibly reliant on Adebayo’s presence as an orchestrator and rim protector.
Adebayo’s greatest strength is his versatility. He’s not a traditional shot-blocking big man, rather he’s adept switching onto the perimeter with a low defensive start and the agility to stay in front of any opponent.
It feels like Adebayo is destined to be a career-long bridesmaid when it comes to DPOY. He’s recognized as a great defensive player, but what would it take for him to win this honor? The truth, unfortunately, is probably a raft of injuries to other players.
5. Amen Thompson (+850)
Like his brother, Amen Thompson is the best defender on one of the league’s best defenses. Houston is narrowly behind Detroit in defensive rating. Amen hasn’t been as prolific in the block and steals categories as Ausar, which contributes to his placing.
Houston’s defense drops by a few points per 100 possessions when Amen is on the bench. The Rockets still have plenty of good defenders around Thompson, easing some of the burden on him.
Notably, Ime Udoka’s team has an identity that prioritizes defense. Their physicality wears down opponents in a way no other team replicates.
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