Top 5 2023 Defensive Player of The Year Candidates 

1. Brook Lopez

[{"selector":"#anim-9ce40e73-70c0-49d1-b27a-53c6b36b1485","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Brook Lopez leads the DPOY race. He has helped Milwaukee stay afloat as a top 3 defense all year, averaging 2.5 blocks per game.

2. Jaren Jackson Jr.

[{"selector":"#anim-a5f6f093-13c5-4919-8966-2162f77685a2","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Jaren Jackson Jr. is the league leader in blocks per game at 3.1 BPG. JJJ has led the Grizzlies to the No. 2 spot in defensive ratings.

3. Bam Adebayo

[{"selector":"#anim-bbc5fde6-9664-4dd6-a3d5-649d337d5aab","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Bam Adebayo continues to be a problem on defense due to his versatility. He has led the Heat to a top ten defense in the NBA.

4. Nic Claxton

[{"selector":"#anim-211ab842-4d22-414a-a832-8928298fe7bb","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Nic Claxton remains among the top 5 candidates in the DPOY race. He ranks 2nd in blocks per game at 2.5. The Nets were dominating with his contributions before KD and Kyrie left.

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo

[{"selector":"#anim-b56e2aa6-52b6-413e-8f31-92ec584062f3","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Giannis remains in consideration as a top 5 MVP and DPOY candidate yet again. He has been a sturdy presence on that end of the floor alongside Lopez.

[{"selector":"#anim-046bf5e6-9cd3-4d1e-803a-80078af32f52","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] SWIPE UP to see Top 5 Defensive Teams in 2022-23 NBA Season Learn more