NBA Defensive Player of the Year featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, Draymond Green and more: February 23rd, 2022 | Latest Power Rankings by Sportskeeda

No. 3: Draymond Green

Golden State Warriors veteran forward Draymond Green

Previous week’s NBA DPOY Power Ranking - #3

Last Week: Games played - 0; Games won - 0; Games lost - 0

Overall: Games played - 34; Games won - 28; Games lost - 6

Last Week: PPG - N/A, APG - N/A, RPG - N/A

Overall: PPG - 7.9, APG - 7.4, RPG - 7.6

Last Week: FG% - N/A, 3P% - N/A, FT% - N/A

Overall: FG% - 53.7%, 3P% - 28.6%, FT% - 59.7%

The Golden State Warriors are in second place in the Western Conference after their impressive start. Golden State could make a serious run at the NBA Finals. When the Warriors are firing on all cylinders, it's due to the two-way impact of veteran forward Draymond Green.

After being sidelined for an extended period with a back injury, reports have suggested Green is set to return to the court at some point right after the All-Star break. With the Warriors eager to catch the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference, getting Green back will be a huge lift.

Green is averaging 7.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game. If Green can return and stay healthy, he should see his Defensive Player of the Year stock rise quickly.

No. 2: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is heating up in the Defensive Player of the Year race.

Previous week’s NBA DPOY Power Ranking - #2

Last Week: Games played - 2; Games won - 1; Games lost - 1

Overall: Games played - 49; Games won - 31; Games lost - 18

Last Week: PPG - 41.0, APG - 6.5, RPG - 12.5

Overall: PPG - 29.4, APG - 6.0, RPG - 11.2

Last Week: FG% - 68.2%, 3P% - 57.1%, FT% - 78.3%

Overall: FG% - 54.7%, 3P% - 30.9%, FT% - 72.1%

The Milwaukee Bucks are fifth in the tight Eastern Conference race, within striking distance of climbing to as high as third in a flash. Superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo remains Milwaukee's mainstay.

Antetokounmpo, one of the NBA's most dominant players, has taken his game to another level lately and is in contention for many prestigious awards. In his last week, Giannis posted eye-opening averages of 41.0 points, 12.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game.

No. 1: Rudy Gobert

Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert continues to impress as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

Previous week’s NBA DPOY Power Ranking - #1

Last Week: Games played - 2; Games won - 1; Games lost - 1

Overall: Games played - 44; Games won - 30; Games lost - 14

Last Week: PPG - 9.5, APG - 1.0, RPG - 9.0

Overall: PPG - 15.9, APG - 1.2, RPG - 14.9

Last Week: FG% - 81.8, 3P% - N/A, FT% - 50.0

Overall: FG% - 71.1%, 3P% - 0.0%, FT% - 68.9%

The Utah Jazz remain in the fourth spot in the West. The veteran squad should be a contender to make a strong playoff run. Throughout the year, big man Rudy Gobert has been a dominant force on both sides of the floor.

Gobert has been a serious presence with his play in the paint for the Jazz. Plus, the shot-blocking big man has been a force on the glass. Gobert is averaging 15.9 points and 14.9 rebounds per game.