NBA Defensive Player of the Year 2025-26 NBA Season: Mikal Bridges Replaces Victor Wembanyama in Major Shuffle (Nov. 28)
The NBA Defensive Player of the Year race undergoes a major reshuffle as Victor Wembanyama continues to miss games due to a calf injury. Wemby got off to a fast start before the injury allowed his pursuers to chase him down. The San Antonio Spurs center finally drops out of the top 5 of the DPOY list, enabling another surging contender to break through.
For the first time this season, OKC Thunder defensive ace Cason Wallace holds pole position. How long Wallace stays on top might depend on how Thunder coach Mark Daigneault will use him after Jalen Williams returns from a wrist injury. If Lu Dort gets the starting spot and Wallace’s minutes drop, his stay at No. 1 could be short-lived.
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Here is where the NBA Defensive Player of the Year contenders stacked after last week.
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2025-26 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Power Rankings After Week 5
#5. Mikal Bridges
GP 3 | RPG 5.3 | SPG 2.3 | BPG 1.3
Mikal Bridges, who has been steadily working his way up the NBA Defensive Player of the Year rankings, finally breaks through. This month, the New York Knicks star is averaging 2.5 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. Bridges’ defensive impact has become even more undeniable following OG Anunoby’s injury.
Bridges can shadow speedy guards and jostle with bigger wings. The lanky forward’s full-court pressure defense is a headache Knicks opponents don’t want to deal with.
Over his last six games, Bridges has tallied a staggering 12 blocks and 19 steals.
#4. Dyson Daniels
GP 4 | RPG 8.0 | SPG 1.5 | BPG 0.3
Dyson Daniels ranks second in deflections (98) and steals (41). The numbers, which indicate how disruptive he has been this season, do not even tell the complete picture of his stifling defense. The Australian is one of the best in the NBA in fighting through screens and running shooters off the 3-point line.
Dislodging him from the NBA Defensive Player of the Year rankings will not be easy for his pursuers.
#3. Evan Mobley
GP 3 | RPG 9.0 | SPG | 0.7 | BPG 2.3
Evan Mobley is arguably the Eastern Conference’s best rim protector. Mobley’s 1.5 bpg might seem underwhelming, but the number of shots he changes around the rim is a game-changer for the Cavaliers.
The reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year can cover ground with ease to deter a drive before challenging shots at the rim. Mobley isn’t arguably on the same dazzling level as last season, but he remains one of the league’s best defenders.
#2. Chet Holmgren
GP 4 | RPG 8.3 | SPG 0.5 | BPG 1.8
With Victor Wembanyama injured, Chet Holmgren takes the mantle as the NBA’s best rim protector. Holmgren’s length, mobility and timing make driving to the basket a huge challenge for opponents.
Holmgren anchors the OKC Thunder defense, the best in the league by a wide margin. The 7-foot-1 forward’s 0.191 defensive win shares tops the league for players averaging at least 29 minutes.
The NBA Defensive Player of the Year race will be even more exciting if he can stay healthy.
#1. Cason Wallace
GP 3 | SPG 2.7 | BPG 0.0
Cason Wallace takes over the No. 1 spot in the latest edition of the NBA Defensive Player of the Year rankings. Wallace’s 2.3 spg is the best in the league, while his 5.0 deflections per outing rank third.
The Thunder have multiple elite perimeter defenders, but Wallace is arguably the best. Sometimes, opponents would keep him on the weak side of the floor to keep him from disrupting the offense.
Victor Wembanyama might eventually win the DPOY, but Wallace will be in the mix if he can sustain his elite form on defense.
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Edited by Michael Macasero
