Defensive Player of the Year Awards

Measures the number of NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards a player won. The DPOY is the highest individual defensive honor. Only awarded since 1982-83. Winning even once marks a player as an all-time elite defender. Winning multiple times places a player in the most exclusive defensive tier in basketball history (Mutombo 4x, Wallace 4x, Dwight 3x).

487entities ranked

Defensive Player of the Year Awards Leaderboard

#	Entity	Score	Reasoning
	Ben Wallaceplayer	100	Wallace won 4 DPOY awards (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006), tying him with Dikembe Mutombo for the most in NBA history. This places him at the absolute pinnacle of defensive excellence as an 'All-Time DPOY Leader.'
	Rudy Gobertplayer	94	Gobert has won 4 DPOY awards (2018, 2019, 2021, 2024), tying the all-time record and placing him among the greatest defensive players in NBA history.
	Dikembe Mutomboplayer	93	Mutombo won 4 Defensive Player of the Year awards (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001), tied for the most in NBA history. This places him in the all-time DPOY leader tier at 95-100, earning 93 as one of only two players with 4 DPOYs.
4	Bill Russellplayer	92	The DPOY award didn't exist until 1982-83, well after Russell's career. However, he is widely considered the greatest defensive player in NBA history with 11 championships built on defensive dominance, warranting a score reflecting multiple theoretical DPOYs.
5	Kawhi Leonardplayer	90	Leonard won 2 DPOY awards (2015, 2016), making him one of only a handful of players with multiple DPOY wins. This places him firmly in the multi-DPOY winner tier among the top 5-10 defenders in NBA history.
5	Dennis Rodmanplayer	90	Rodman won 2 DPOY awards (1990, 1991), making him one of only a few multi-time winners. His defensive dominance during those peak years was franchise-altering.
7	Hakeem Olajuwonplayer	88	Olajuwon won 2 DPOY awards (1993, 1994) and was consistently among the top defenders in the league, placing him in the multi-DPOY winner tier below Jordan's 1 DPOY (78).
7	Dwight Howardplayer	88	Howard won 3 DPOY awards (2009, 2010, 2011), making him one of only a few players to win multiple DPOYs. He was the most dominant defensive player of his era and anchored championship-contending teams with his rim protection.
7	Sidney Moncriefplayer	88	Moncrief won 2 consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1983 and 1984, making him one of only a few players to win multiple DPOY awards. This places him in the multi-DPOY winner tier.
10	Dave DeBusschereplayer	85	The DPOY award didn't exist until 1982-83, well after DeBusschere's retirement in 1974. However, he was widely considered one of the premier defenders of his era with 6 All-Defensive First Team selections and would have been a strong DPOY candidate, warranting a score reflecting elite historical defensive reputation.
10	Alonzo Mourningplayer	85	Mourning won 2 DPOY awards (1999, 2000), placing him in the 85-94 'Multi-DPOY Winner' tier. He was recognized as the league's best defender in consecutive seasons and is among the top defensive players in NBA history.
12	Giannis Antetokounmpoplayer	78	Giannis won the 2020 DPOY award and has been a consistent top candidate in other seasons. His single DPOY win places him in the 'DPOY Winner' tier at the lower end.
12	Marcus Smartplayer	78	Smart won the 2022 DPOY award, becoming the first guard to win since Gary Payton in 1996. His single DPOY award places him in the 72-84 range for recognized elite defenders.
12	Marc Gasolplayer	78	Gasol won 1 DPOY award in 2013, anchoring Memphis's elite defense. This single DPOY win places him in the 72-84 range per the scale.
12	Alvin Robertsonplayer	78	Robertson won the 1986 Defensive Player of the Year award, becoming the first guard to win the honor. His combination of steals leadership and All-Defensive selections made him the premier perimeter defender of his era.
12	Michael Cooperplayer	78	Cooper won the 1987 DPOY award and was consistently one of the league's elite perimeter defenders throughout the 1980s. His single DPOY win places him in the 72-84 range per the rubric.
12	Michael Jordanplayer	78	Jordan won 1 DPOY award in 1988 and was a perennial All-Defensive selection. He finished in the top of DPOY voting in other years as well. This matches the anchor score of 78 provided for his 1 DPOY win.
12	Draymond Greenplayer	78	Green won 1 DPOY award in 2017 and has been a consistent top-3 finisher in DPOY voting multiple times. His single DPOY win places him in the 72-84 range, and his multiple runner-up finishes push him toward the upper end of that tier.
12	David Robinsonplayer	78	Robinson won 1 DPOY award in 1992, when he was recognized as the league's best defender. He was consistently in DPOY conversations throughout his prime and was one of the most dominant defensive centers of the 1990s, anchoring elite Spurs defenses.
12	Gary Paytonplayer	78	Payton won 1 DPOY award in 1996, becoming the only point guard to ever win the award. This achievement places him in the DPOY winner tier.
12	Marcus Cambyplayer	78	Camby won 1 DPOY award in 2007 and was a 4-time NBA blocks leader, establishing him as one of the premier defensive players of his era.
12	Bobby Jonesplayer	78	Jones won 1 DPOY award in 1983, the first year the award was given. This places him in the 72-84 range for DPOY winners, recognized as the best defender in the league for that season.
12	Kevin Garnettplayer	78	Garnett won 1 DPOY award in 2008 and was a consistent top finisher in DPOY voting throughout his prime years, establishing him as one of the premier defenders of his era.
24	Nate Thurmondplayer	68	Thurmond retired in 1977, before the DPOY award existed, but was widely considered one of the premier defensive centers of his era alongside Russell and Chamberlain. His historical defensive reputation as an elite rim protector and rebounder places him in the top-3 DPOY candidate range based on era-adjusted defensive impact.
25	Bill Waltonplayer	65	Walton won 0 DPOY awards but was widely considered one of the premier defensive centers of the 1970s. His historical defensive reputation as an elite rim protector and anchor places him in the strong DPOY candidate range.
25	Chris Paulplayer	65	Paul has 0 DPOY awards but finished in the top 3-5 in voting multiple times during his prime years. He was consistently one of the best perimeter defenders but never won the award.
25	Willis Reedplayer	65	Reed played before DPOY awards existed (started 1982-83), but was considered one of the elite defensive centers of his era, anchoring championship teams with his interior defense and leadership.
28	Wilt Chamberlainplayer	62	The DPOY award didn't exist until 1982-83, well after Wilt's retirement. Based on historical reputation as a legendary rim protector and shot-blocker, he would likely have been a multiple DPOY candidate.
28	Scottie Pippenplayer	62	Pippen never won DPOY but finished 2nd in 1992 and 3rd in 1996, receiving significant votes in multiple seasons. His consistent top-3 finishes place him in the DPOY runner-up tier as one of the elite defenders of his era.
28	Joel Embiidplayer	62	Embiid has 0 DPOY awards but finished 2nd in DPOY voting in 2022-23 and has received significant votes in multiple seasons. This places him in the 'DPOY Runner-Up' tier (55-71 range) at the upper end.
31	Ben Simmonsplayer	58	Simmons has 0 DPOY awards but finished 2nd in DPOY voting in 2021 and has been considered among the elite perimeter defenders. This places him in the DPOY runner-up tier (55-71) for his top-3 finish.
31	Maurice Stokesplayer	58	Stokes played 1955-1958, well before DPOY existed, but was considered one of the premier defenders of his era as a versatile forward who could guard multiple positions and was known for his rebounding and defensive intensity, placing him in the near-DPOY candidate range based on historical reputation.
31	Mel Danielsplayer	58	Daniels was a dominant ABA defender who won multiple championships with the Indiana Pacers and was known as one of the premier defensive centers of his era, earning a reputation that would likely have placed him in DPOY consideration had the award existed during his prime years.
31	Bob Pettitplayer	58	The DPOY award didn't exist until 1982-83, well after Pettit's retirement in 1965. Based on historical defensive reputation, he was a solid defender and strong rebounder who would have been respected but likely not an elite DPOY candidate, placing him in the candidate range.
31	Dave Cowensplayer	58	The DPOY award didn't exist until 1982-83, after Cowens' prime years. Based on his historical defensive reputation, 3 All-Defensive selections, and being considered one of the better defenders of the 1970s, he would have been a DPOY candidate in multiple seasons.
36	Tim Duncanplayer	55	Duncan never won DPOY but finished in the top 3-5 in voting multiple times throughout his career. He was consistently one of the league's best defenders but the award eluded him.
36	LeBron Jamesplayer	55	LeBron has 0 DPOY awards but finished 2nd in voting in 2012-13 and was consistently in top-5 conversations during his Miami years, placing him in the runner-up tier.
36	Kareem Abdul-Jabbarplayer	55	Kareem never won a DPOY award, as it wasn't introduced until 1982-83 when he was 35. In his prime during the 1970s, he was widely considered one of the most dominant defensive players and would have been a strong DPOY candidate.
39	Matisse Thybulleplayer	48	Thybulle has 0 DPOY awards but received votes in 2021-22 (finishing 6th) and has been recognized as one of the league's premier perimeter defenders and steal specialists, placing him in the DPOY candidate range.
39	Jermaine O'Nealplayer	48	O'Neal never won DPOY but received votes in multiple seasons during his Indiana Pacers prime (2002-2007), finishing in the top 10 several times as an elite rim protector and anchor. He was a 3x All-Star level defender but never reached top-3 DPOY consideration.
39	Manute Bolplayer	48	Bol never won DPOY but received votes in multiple seasons during his career, finishing in the top 10 several times due to his elite shot-blocking ability, though he never cracked the top 3 in voting.
39	Mookie Blaylockplayer	48	Blaylock never won DPOY but received votes in multiple seasons during his prime years with Atlanta, finishing in the top 10-15 range several times as one of the league's premier perimeter defenders and steals leaders.
39	Paul Georgeplayer	48	George has 0 DPOY awards but finished 3rd in voting in 2018-19 and received votes in multiple other seasons. He's been recognized as one of the elite two-way players and defenders in the league during his prime years.
39	Mikal Bridgesplayer	48	Bridges has 0 DPOY awards but has received votes in multiple seasons and finished in the top 10 in DPOY voting, particularly during his Phoenix years. He's widely regarded as one of the elite perimeter defenders in the league and has made All-Defensive teams.
45	Dwyane Wadeplayer	45	Wade never won DPOY but received votes in multiple seasons during his prime, particularly in the mid-2000s. He was recognized as one of the better perimeter defenders in the league but never finished in the top 3, placing him in the DPOY candidate range.
45	Lafayette Leverplayer	45	Lever never won DPOY but received votes and was recognized as one of the better defenders in the league during his prime. His All-Defensive selections reflect his defensive impact but he was never a top-tier DPOY candidate.
45	Andrei Kirilenkoplayer	45	Kirilenko never won DPOY but received votes in multiple seasons and was widely regarded as one of the most versatile defenders in the league. His ability to guard all five positions and stuff the stat sheet made him a legitimate DPOY candidate.
45	Andre Robersonplayer	45	Roberson has 0 DPOY awards but received some votes during his prime years with OKC when he was considered one of the league's elite perimeter defenders. His defensive reputation places him in the DPOY candidate range.
45	Billy Cunninghamplayer	45	The DPOY award didn't exist until 1982-83, six years after Cunningham retired. Based on historical defensive reputation, he was considered a strong, versatile defender who could guard multiple positions and was known for his intensity and hustle on that end.
45	Jerry Westplayer	45	West played before the DPOY award existed (started 1983), but he was recognized with 5 All-Defensive Team selections and was considered one of the better perimeter defenders of his era, placing him in the DPOY candidate range based on historical reputation.
45	Don Buseplayer	45	Buse won 0 DPOY awards but was widely recognized as one of the premier perimeter defenders of his era, particularly known for his steal production. He received some DPOY consideration during his peak years in the late 1970s.
45	Serge Ibakaplayer	45	Ibaka never won DPOY but received votes in multiple seasons during his prime years with Oklahoma City, recognized as one of the league's better rim protectors.
45	Larry Birdplayer	45	Bird never won DPOY but received votes in multiple seasons and was recognized as one of the better two-way players of his era. His defensive reputation was solid but not elite.
45	George Mikanplayer	45	DPOY award didn't exist during Mikan's career (1946-1956), but he was historically recognized as a strong defender and rim protector who anchored championship teams defensively.
45	Bam Adebayoplayer	45	Adebayo has 0 DPOY awards but has received votes and finished in the top 10 in DPOY voting multiple times, including a strong showing in 2019-20. He's recognized as one of the better defenders in the league, placing him in the 'DPOY Candidate' range.
45	Jaren Jackson Jrplayer	45	Jackson has 0 DPOY awards but has received votes and finished in consideration, particularly during his blocks title seasons, establishing him as a recognized elite defender.
45	Jrue Holidayplayer	45	Holiday has 0 DPOY awards but has received votes and finished in the top 10 multiple times. He's widely recognized as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, placing him in the DPOY candidate range.
45	Andre Iguodalaplayer	45	Iguodala never won DPOY but received votes in multiple seasons and was widely regarded as one of the premier wing defenders in the league. He was consistently in DPOY discussions during his prime years.
45	Joe Dumarsplayer	45	Dumars never won DPOY but was consistently recognized as one of the league's better perimeter defenders, receiving some DPOY consideration during his All-Defensive years in the early 1990s.
45	Tony Allenplayer	45	Allen never won DPOY but received votes and was widely recognized as one of the elite perimeter defenders of his era, earning the nickname 'Grindfather'.
45	Bruce Bowenplayer	45	Bowen never won DPOY but received votes in multiple seasons and was widely regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. His 8 All-Defensive selections demonstrate he was consistently recognized among elite defenders, placing him in the DPOY candidate range.
45	Anthony Davisplayer	45	Davis has 0 DPOY awards but has received votes in multiple seasons and finished in the top 10 several times, particularly during his peak years. He's been recognized as one of the better defenders in the league, placing him in the 'DPOY Candidate' range.
45	Kevin McHaleplayer	45	McHale never won DPOY but received votes in multiple seasons and was widely regarded as one of the best defensive forwards of his era. His reputation and All-Defensive selections place him in the DPOY candidate range.
45	Herbert Jonesplayer	45	Jones has 0 DPOY awards but has received votes and finished in the top 10 in DPOY voting in multiple seasons. He's recognized as one of the better perimeter defenders in the league.
45	Jason Kiddplayer	45	Kidd never won DPOY but received votes in multiple seasons and finished in the top 10 several times. His elite steal numbers and All-Defensive selections show he was a recognized top defender.
45	Jimmy Butlerplayer	45	Butler has 0 DPOY awards but has received votes and finished in the top 10 multiple times, particularly during his Chicago years. He's been recognized as one of the better defenders in the league, placing him in the DPOY candidate range.
45	Dennis Johnsonplayer	45	Johnson never won DPOY but was widely regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders of the 1980s. He received some DPOY votes during his prime years, placing him in the DPOY candidate range.
45	Patrick Ewingplayer	45	Ewing never won DPOY but received votes in multiple seasons and finished in the top 10 several times during his prime. He was consistently recognized as one of the better defenders in the league but never reached the very top tier.
45	John Stocktonplayer	45	Stockton never won DPOY but received votes in multiple seasons during his prime years. His reputation as an elite perimeter defender and all-time steals leader earned him recognition in DPOY discussions, placing him in the 'DPOY Candidate' range.
70	Kobe Bryantplayer	42	Kobe never won DPOY but received votes in multiple seasons and was widely regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders during his prime, matching the anchor calibration exactly.
70	Latrell Sprewellplayer	42	Sprewell never won DPOY but was recognized as a strong defender with his All-Defensive selection, placing him in the DPOY candidate range who received some recognition.
72	Shaquille O'Nealplayer	40	Shaq never won DPOY but received votes in several seasons during his Lakers peak. He finished in the top 10 in DPOY voting multiple times, placing him in the DPOY candidate range.
73	Alex Carusoplayer	32	Caruso has 0 DPOY awards and has never received meaningful DPOY votes, but he's widely recognized as a strong defender with excellent instincts and impact metrics. His defensive reputation exceeds his formal recognition.
74	Artis Gilmoreplayer	30	Gilmore won 0 DPOY awards and never received meaningful votes, as the award began in 1982-83 when he was past his prime. However, he was widely regarded as one of the better defensive centers of his era, particularly as a shot-blocker and rim protector, placing him in the strong defender range.
74	Caldwell Jonesplayer	30	Jones never won DPOY and never received meaningful votes, as the award was introduced late in his career. However, he was widely respected as a strong defensive player and rim protector throughout his career, warranting recognition as an above-average defender.
74	Victor Wembanyamaplayer	30	Wembanyama has 0 DPOY awards but is already considered a strong DPOY candidate after just one season. His defensive impact suggests he'll be in contention for years to come.
74	Evan Mobleyplayer	30	Mobley has 0 DPOY awards but has received some consideration in voting and is viewed as a future DPOY candidate. His defensive impact is recognized but hasn't reached award level yet.
74	Elgin Baylorplayer	30	The DPOY award didn't exist until 1982-83, well after Baylor's retirement in 1971. Based on historical reputation, he was a solid defender with good athleticism but not considered among the elite defensive players of his era like Russell or Chamberlain.
74	Arvydas Sabonisplayer	30	Sabonis never won DPOY and never received meaningful votes, as he played his NBA career past his prime. However, he was widely regarded as a strong team defender with excellent basketball IQ and rim protection ability.
74	Andrew Bogutplayer	30	Bogut won 0 DPOY awards and never received significant votes, but was recognized as a strong team defender and rim protector during his Warriors championship years.
74	Chet Holmgrenplayer	30	Holmgren has 0 DPOY awards in his young career but has already shown elite defensive impact with his shot-blocking and versatility. His early defensive performance suggests he could become a strong DPOY candidate in the future.
74	Dolph Schayesplayer	30	DPOY award didn't exist until 1982-83, well after Schayes' retirement. Based on historical defensive reputation, he was a solid defender but not considered among the all-time great defensive players.
74	Connie Hawkinsplayer	30	The DPOY award didn't exist until 1982-83, well after Hawkins' career ended. Based on historical defensive reputation, he was considered a solid defender with good athleticism and instincts, but not among the all-time great defenders.
84	Norm Van Lierplayer	28	Van Lier never won DPOY (award didn't exist during his prime) but was known as an elite perimeter defender who made 3 All-Defensive First Teams, placing him in the strong defender category based on historical reputation.
84	Luol Dengplayer	28	Deng never won DPOY or received meaningful votes, but was known as a solid, versatile defender who could guard multiple positions and was respected for his defensive fundamentals and effort.
84	Maurice Cheeksplayer	28	Cheeks never won DPOY or received meaningful votes, but was a 5x All-Defensive Team selection known for his exceptional steal ability and perimeter defense, making him a strong defender above the average range.
84	Patrick Beverleyplayer	28	Beverley has 0 DPOY awards and never received meaningful DPOY votes, but is widely recognized as an elite perimeter defender and pest who made multiple All-Defensive teams. His defensive reputation places him in the strong defender category.
84	Maurice Lucasplayer	28	Lucas never won DPOY (retired before award existed) but was known as a strong, physical defender and enforcer who could guard multiple positions effectively during Portland's 1977 championship run.
84	Nerlens Noelplayer	28	Noel has never won DPOY or received meaningful votes, but is widely regarded as an above-average rim protector and shot blocker throughout his career, placing him in the strong defender category.
84	Raja Bellplayer	28	Bell never won DPOY or received meaningful votes, but was widely regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders of the 2000s with multiple All-Defensive Team selections, placing him as a strong defender above average.
84	Rajon Rondoplayer	28	Rondo never won DPOY or received meaningful votes, but was known as an above-average defender with excellent steal numbers and court awareness, making multiple All-Defensive teams during his prime years.
84	P.J. Tuckerplayer	28	Tucker never won DPOY or received meaningful votes, but was widely regarded as an elite role player defender who could guard multiple positions and was trusted in playoff situations by championship teams.
84	Luguentz Dortplayer	28	Dort has never won DPOY or received meaningful votes, but is widely recognized as one of the NBA's premier perimeter defenders and elite wing stoppers, earning All-Defensive team consideration.
84	OG Anunobyplayer	28	Anunoby has 0 DPOY awards and has never received meaningful DPOY votes, but is widely regarded as a strong perimeter defender with excellent versatility guarding multiple positions throughout his career with Toronto and New York.
84	Wes Unseldplayer	28	DPOY didn't exist during Unseld's prime years (retired 1981), but he was respected as a solid team defender and anchor, though not considered elite individually.
84	Luc Mbah a Mouteplayer	28	Mbah a Moute never won DPOY or received votes but was a respected role player defender known for his versatility guarding multiple positions, placing him as a strong defender above average.
84	Jevon Carterplayer	28	Carter has never won DPOY or received votes, but is widely recognized as an above-average perimeter defender known for his tenacity and ability to guard multiple positions throughout his NBA career.
98	John Havlicekplayer	25	Havlicek never won DPOY (award didn't exist until 1982-83, after his retirement in 1978) but was widely recognized as one of the premier defenders of his era with 8 All-Defensive selections. His defensive reputation places him in the strong defender category.
98	Walt Frazierplayer	25	The DPOY award didn't exist during Frazier's prime years (he retired in 1980, award started in 1983). However, his 7 All-Defensive selections and reputation as one of the era's premier defenders places him in the strong defender category for historical context.
98	Jusuf Nurkićplayer	25	Nurkić has never won DPOY or received meaningful votes, but is recognized as a solid rim protector and interior defender when healthy, placing him in the strong defender category.