NBA Defensive Player of the Year 2020: November Power Rankings

The Most Valuable Player Award understandably attracts the most interest from NBA fans and players alike, although the prestige of the Defensive Player of the Year Award continues to build with each passing season. The award honors the best defensive player of the regular season, and 21 different players have taken home the trophy since its inception during the 1982–83 NBA season.

Marc Gasol, Kawhi Leonard, Draymond Green, and Rudy Gobert are among the recent winners of the title, and competition will be intense this year due to the number of excellent defenders around the league. So, as we approach the end of November, here we will take a look at the five players that are in the running to be named 2020 Defensive Player of the Year.

#5 Jonathan Isaac - Orlando Magic

Jonathan Isaac's has made a big impact on the defensive end for the Orlando Magic

Entering the season, Jonathan Isaac wasn't among the players expected to be in contention to take home the Defensive Player of the Year Award, although the 22-year-old has been excellent during the first six weeks of the season. Following a promising but inconsistent first two years in the league, Isaac has been Orlando's best performer and has been the main reason behind the team's improved defense this season.

Only Anthony Davis is currently averaging more blocks per game than Isaac's (2.86), and the forward also posted a career-high six blocks against the Dallas Mavericks. He is also averaging a career-high 7.1 rebounds per contest, and his steals per game total has increased to 1.4. Due to his age, Isaac may struggle to replicate his current numbers over the course of an entire season, although he is currently in the mix.

#4 Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the NBA's reigning Most Valuable Players

Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently on track to become the first player in NBA history to average at least 30 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists throughout the regular season, and the 2019 MVP remains an incredible force on the defensive end. Only Deandre Drummond is averaging more than Giannis' 11.2 defensive rebounds per game, and the 24-year-old is also averaging 1.6 steals and 1.3 blocks per contest.

Unsurprisingly, the Bucks' defense is significantly worse without Antetokounmpo on the court, and it feels as though his efforts on the defensive end are going unnoticed due to his improved offensive efficiency. The Bucks are also allowing 110.6 points per game which don't help his cause, although Antetokounmpo's huge defensive numbers are enough to put him among the contenders.

#3 Rudy Gobert - Utah Jazz

Rudy Gobert has been named Defensive of the Player in consecutive seasons

Rudy Gobert is the NBA's two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year, and the Frenchman has once again impressed during the first weeks of the season as he looks to take home the award for a third straight season. While the 27-year-old hasn't been involved as much as he would like on Utah Jazz's offense, he has been a towering figure on a well-drilled defensive unit that has been the fourth-best in the league so far this season.

Gobert is averaging a career-high (11.0) defensive rebounds per game, while he is also averaging at least one steal per game for the first time in his career. His number of blocks (2.1) is slightly down, although Gobert is still among the leaders in the league.

#2 Marcus Smart - Boston Celtics

Marcus Smart is finally earning the plaudits he deserves for his work on the defensive end

While Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have earned plenty of plaudits for their role in Boston's excellent start to the season, Marcus Smart has arguably been the Celtics' best performer. Smart's role on Boston's offense has grown since the departure of Kyrie Irving, although his work on the defensive end continues to be where he excels the most.

While Smart's averages of 3.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game don't exactly stand out - he has been able to hold opposing players to just 31.6% shooting from the field. His work defending the perimeter is even better (26.6%) - and there is no reason to doubt his status as a frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

#1 Anthony Davis - Los Angeles Lakers

Anthony Davis has made a huge impact on the defensive end following his move to the Lakers

LeBron James' early-season form may cost Anthony Davis a shot at being named Most Valuable Player, although there is no doubting that the former New Orleans Pelicans star is the leading contender to be named Defensive Player of the Year. Davis has been a monster on the defensive end, averaging 6.5 defensive rebounds and 1.5 steals - and the 26-year-old leads the league with 2.9 blocks per game.

Alongside fellow defensive specialists Avery Bradley and Danny Green, Davis has played a big role in ensuring that the Lakers have one of the best defenses in the NBA, and Frank Vogel's team is currently allowing just 103.2 points per game. Ultimately, Davis' effort on the defensive end has played an enormous role in transforming the Lakers into genuine title contenders, and the 6-time All-Star is the leading contender to be named Defensive Player of the Year.