Victor Wembanyama's recent season performance has placed him squarely in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) contention. Playing in 71 games last season, Wembanyama has undoubtedly met the minimum requirement of 65 games necessary to qualify for the prestigious award. However, qualification is just the beginning of the journey for any DPOY hopeful.
Defensive Team Performance Matters
Historically, DPOY winners have come from teams that excel defensively and usually rank within the top five defenses while also securing a playoff spot. This trend has held steady since 2008, underscoring the significant role team context plays in an individual’s defensive accolades.
The San Antonio Spurs, with whom Wembanyama plied his trade last season, finished 21st in defensive rankings and were 14th in the Western Conference, failing to make the playoffs. This presents a considerable obstacle for Wembanyama's DPOY ambitions, as past winners have consistently been part of superior defensive units. Despite the Spurs' underwhelming defensive stats, it's worth noting they allowed just 111.2 points per 100 possessions with Wembanyama on the court—a testament to his personal impact on the game.
Other DPOY Contenders
As other players position themselves for a run at the DPOY award, the odds from BetRivers provide an intriguing snapshot of the competitive landscape. Evan Mobley, who finished third in the 2023 DPOY race, currently has +3000 odds. This puts him in a strong position given his proven prowess. OG Anunoby follows with +4000 odds, while Herb Jones and Jalen Suggs are listed at +7000 and +10000 odds, respectively. Even seasoned defender Draymond Green is in the mix, albeit with longer +15000 odds.
The Thunder's Defensive Prowess
Another team to keep an eye on includes the Oklahoma City Thunder, who boast the fourth-ranked defense from last season. The Thunder's offseason additions have only bolstered their defensive credentials. "The Thunder ranked No. 4 last season, and then added the second- and fifth-ranked defensive players in all of basketball by EPM in the offseason," the author highlights. This significant enhancement is expected to elevate their already impressive defensive unit, potentially producing another DPOY contender. However, challenges remain within the squad, as Josh Giddey was the worst defender by EPM despite significant playing time last season.
Strategic DPOY Betting
With the DPOY race continuing to heat up, bettors looking to place intelligent wagers might benefit from a more cautious approach. "My advice would be to wait a month or two and see if there's ever an injury scare that gives you more favorable odds," is the advice mentioned. This strategy could indeed result in more beneficial betting conditions as the season progresses and player statuses fluctuate.
As the new season unfolds, players like Wembanyama, Mobley, Anunoby, and the members of the fortified Thunder roster will be closely scrutinized. Their performances and their teams' defensive standings will play pivotal roles in shaping the DPOY race. Whether Wembanyama can overcome the team’s defensive challenges, or if another contender rises to the occasion, only time will reveal the next Defensive Player of the Year.