Sportsboxd official · NBA awards
Every NBA Defensive Player of the Year
The complete Sportsboxd official guide to every NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Choose a winner to open the season that earned the award.
SeasonWinnerOpen
2025–26Victor Wembanyama2024–25Evan Mobley2023–24Rudy Gobert2022–23Jaren Jackson Jr.2021–22Marcus Smart2020–21Rudy Gobert2019–20Giannis Antetokounmpo2018–19Rudy GobertBack-to-back winner2017–18Rudy Gobert2016–17Draymond Green2015–16Kawhi LeonardBack-to-back winner2014–15Kawhi Leonard2013–14Joakim Noah2012–13Marc Gasol2011–12Tyson Chandler2010–11Dwight HowardBack-to-back winner2009–10Dwight HowardBack-to-back winner2008–09Dwight Howard2007–08Kevin Garnett2006–07Marcus Camby2005–06Ben WallaceBack-to-back winner2004–05Ben Wallace2003–04Ron Artest2002–03Ben WallaceBack-to-back winner2001–02Ben Wallace2000–01Dikembe Mutombo1999–00Alonzo MourningBack-to-back winner1998–99Alonzo Mourning1997–98Dikembe MutomboBack-to-back winner1996–97Dikembe Mutombo1995–96Gary Payton1994–95Dikembe Mutombo1993–94Hakeem OlajuwonBack-to-back winner1992–93Hakeem Olajuwon1991–92David Robinson1990–91Dennis RodmanBack-to-back winner1989–90Dennis Rodman1988–89Mark Eaton1987–88Michael Jordan1986–87Michael Cooper1985–86Alvin Robertson1984–85Mark Eaton1983–84Sidney MoncriefBack-to-back winner1982–83Sidney Moncrief