With only a few games left in the NBA season, the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) race is essentially wrapped. According to the latest odds from FanDuel, Draymond Green is the overwhelming favorite at -320, followed by Evan Mobley at +340.
Dyson Daniels’s campaign is over at +7500, but he has a much stronger case than the bettors believe. Each of these defenders brings a unique skill set to the table, making this year’s competition particularly compelling.
Draymond Green: The Proven Defensive Maestro
Draymond Green has long been one of the NBA’s most versatile and intelligent defenders.
The Golden State Warriors forward has already won the DPOY award once and has been a perennial candidate throughout his career. This season, Green’s defensive impact remains undeniable.
His ability to guard multiple positions, quarterback the defense, and disrupt opposing offenses makes him one of the most feared defenders in the league.
Green’s impact is best seen in the Warriors’ defensive metrics. His ability to anchor the team’s switching scheme while also providing help defense at an elite level is a key reason why Golden State remains competitive.
While his individual defensive stats may not always jump off the page, his on-off numbers and the Warriors’ defensive rating with him on the floor illustrate his importance.
A key part of Green’s defensive game is his communication. He directs teammates, calls out screens, and ensures everyone is in the right position.
His leadership on that end of the court makes him an invaluable asset, and despite being one of the older players in the conversation, his defensive acumen keeps him in the mix for DPOY honors once again.
He’s as vocal off the court about why he deserves a second trophy as he is on it, commanding the Dubs’ defense.
Evan Mobley: The Young Defensive Anchor
Evan Mobley has rapidly developed into one of the league’s premier interior defenders. As the Cleveland Cavaliers’ defensive linchpin, Mobley’s length, mobility, and shot-blocking ability have made him a dominant force in the paint.
The Cavaliers rely heavily on his defensive versatility, as he can protect the rim, switch onto guards, and contest shots without fouling.
Mobley’s defensive metrics support his case. His block percentage ranks among the highest for big men, and his defensive win shares indicate how vital he is to Cleveland’s success.
He has improved his physicality, making it harder for opponents to back him down in the post, while his ability to hedge and recover in pick-and-roll situations is crucial for the Cavaliers’ scheme.
What separates Mobley from other big men in the race is his ability to guard in space. He doesn’t just protect the rim — he can switch onto perimeter players and hold his own.
That versatility is becoming increasingly valuable in today’s NBA, making him a legitimate DPOY contender despite his youth.
With +340 odds, he remains within striking distance of Green if he finishes the season strong, but the late push from Draymond is looking like it’ll be too much to overcome.
Mobley could also be a victim of the Cavaliers’ strength as a team unit, as they deploy multiple shutdown defenders, including starting center Jarrett Allen, whose presence might be taking away from Evan’s individual shine.
Dyson Daniels: The Rising Defensive Star
Dyson Daniels may not be as well-known as Green or Mobley, but his defensive impact for the Atlanta Hawks has been significant.
The young guard has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, emerging as not only a DPOY candidate for the Hawks this season but also a possible Most Improved Player pick.
With his combination of size, lateral quickness, and defensive instincts, Daniels is regularly tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter scorer and does so with aplomb.
His defensive stats reinforce his case. Daniels boasts an impressive steals percentage, frequently disrupting passing lanes and forcing turnovers. He leads the entire NBA in thievery, averaging 3.1 steals per game. Additionally, his defensive versatility allows him to guard positions 1 through 3 effectively, making him a crucial piece in the Hawks’ chaotic defensive schemes.
One of Daniels’ biggest strengths is his ability to navigate screens. In a league dominated by pick-and-roll-heavy offenses, having a guard who can fight through screens and contest shots without fouling is invaluable.
His quick hands and anticipation skills make him a nightmare for ball handlers, and his ability to close out on shooters without overcommitting showcases his defensive discipline.
Though he won’t win it this year, his case this season should set him up for perennial candidacy moving forward. He’ll be a trailblazer in this league if he can win it as a perimeter player and join an exclusive shortlist.
The Current DPOY Odds
Ultimately, these awards are decided by a select group of NBA analysts that form a panel of voters. Vegas isn’t often wrong, but these odds are just a prediction of how these pundits are going to decide come season’s end.
The gap on FanDuel is massive, but stranger things have happened before. Not only are there still games to play, but there’s still time for cases to be made — as Draymond knows — and all three of these defenders have good ones.