NBA Defensive Player of the Year 2020: December Power Rankings

2019 is quickly coming to a close, and with more than two months of the 2019-20 NBA season now in the books, it is the perfect time to reflect on which players are among the leading contenders to pick up one of the seasons major awards.

While not as prestigious as the Most Valuable Player award, the Defensive Player of the Year award has never been more esteemed, and several leading stars around the NBA have already stated their ambition to take home the title.

Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz is the current two-time defending champion, and while he remains in the mix, the race to be named 2020 DPOY is among the most competitive in recent memory. So, here we will look at the leading contenders to be named Defensive Player of the Year as we head into the new year.

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#5 Jonathan Isaac - Orlando Magic

Jonathan Isaac's performances on the defensive end have kept the Magic in the mix to reach the playoffs

The Orlando Magic face a fight to make the playoffs for a second consecutive season after making a 14-18 start to the season, although the front office will be thrilled with the development of Jonathan Isaac. The New York native still lacks offensive consistency, although Isaac is quickly developing into one of the NBA's best defensive stoppers.

Through 30 appearances this season, the 22-year-old has averaged 5.4 defensive rebounds, 1.5 steals and 2.5 blocks - and only Hassan Whiteside and Anthony Davis have managed more blocks. Isaac also picked up a career-high seven steals during Orlando's latest defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks - and the forward is well on course to become one of the NBA's standout defenders.

#4 Rudy Gobert - Utah Jazz

Rudy Gobert has impressed once more as he attempts to win DPOY for a third consecutive year

While Rudy Gobert's influence on the Jazz's offense remains debatable, there is no questioning the Frenchman's impact on the defensive end. The 2-time reigning DPOY is averaging a career-high 10.6 defensive rebounds per game and Gobert is also contributing 1.9 blocks and 0.7 steals per contest.

His defensive numbers are especially impressive as Utah's defense has been shaky this season following two years of being among the most feared defensive units in the NBA, and Gobert also recorded five blocks during an excellent showing against the Miami Heat earlier this week.

For the first time in two seasons, Gobert is in danger of missing out on being named DPOY due to the strength of the chasing pack, however, if the 27-year-old's numbers continue to increase over the coming months, he could still the accolade for a third straight year.

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#3 Joel Embiid - Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid's defensive performances have been excellent throughout December

Ahead of the season, Joel Embiid expressed his desire to win the 2020 DPOY award, although some experts disregarded his chances following a mixed start to the season. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old has been excellent throughout December, and as we head towards the new year, Embiid is currently averaging 9.9 defensive rebounds, 0.8 steals and 1.4 blocks per game.

The Philadelphia 76ers star also made a major statement as he shut down Giannis Antetokounmpo during the Sixers' Christmas Day win over the Bucks, and Embiid also seems to have put behind his past injury issues to one side. Ultimately, the 7ft center will need to continue to improve over the next four months, although he is firmly in the mix as we head into 2020.

#2 Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been excellent at both ends of the court

Following on from his MVP winning season, Giannis Antetokounmpo has earned a huge amount of praise for his improved offensive performances - although his excellent work on the defensive end has been somewhat ignored. Through 31 appearances, Giannis is averaging a joint career-high in defensive rebounds (10.3), while also averaging 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per contest.

The 25-year-old also has the third-highest defensive win share in the entire NBA, and Antetokounmpo has also been willing to take on the task of guarding the opposition's best player. His quest to earn a second consecutive MVP award could see him overlooked for the DPOY award, although as things stand, few have made more of an impact on the defensive end.

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#1 Anthony Davis - Los Angeles Lakers

Anthony Davis has transformed the Lakers into contenders following his high-profile trade

Anthony Davis has excelled since completing his offseason trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, and the 26-year-old has been especially impressive on the defensive end. Splitting his time between power forward and center, Davis has been a monstrous force, averaging 6.9 defensive rebounds, 2.6 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game.

Davis' blocking ability has been especially impressive, as the former Pelicans man has executed a number of huge stops at vital points for the Lakers over the first two months of the season, and his presence has been the main factor in transforming LA's defense into one of the best in the Western Conference. Davis has previously only been named to the All-Defensive First Team once, although the Chicago native is on course to be honored for a second team, while also taking home his first DPOY trophy.

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