Looking At the Rich History Of the Defensive Player Of the Year Award
The Defensive Player of the Year Award was introduced in the 1982-83 season, and since then, some of the NBA’s top defenders have received it. Sidney Moncrief was the first player to do so, and he did it again the following year. Then, as time went on, others like Michael Cooper and Michael Jordan added their names to the list.
Recently, a new star added to that legacy, as Victor Wembanyama won this year’s award. Wembanyama became the first player to win the award unanimously, and he went up against Ausar Thompson and Chet Holmgren. Those players had exceptional seasons of their own, and they received votes for their efforts. However, the San Antonio Spurs’ star came out on top.
The Defensive Player of the Year Award is a special honor, and before Wembanyama won it, some of the league’s top players took home the trophy.
Who Won Defensive Player Of the Year Previously?
Last season, the Defensive Player of the Year went to a first-time All-Star. Cleveland Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley won it, and he had a strong season. He averaged 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.6 blocks. He impacted both ends of the floor, and the Cavaliers flourished as a result. They finished the season with a record of 64-18, and they looked like the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. Then, after beating the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs, the Cavaliers lost their series against the Indiana Pacers.
Despite the early exit, Mobley and the Cavaliers had a good year, and the young player added an award to his resume. Before that, Rudy Gobert won it, and he is no stranger to winning this award. Gobert averaged 2.1 blocks that season, and he won DPOY for the fourth time in his career.
The French center won the award for the first time in 2018, and was playing for the Utah Jazz at that time. He won it the following year, and he won it one more time during his time in Utah. His last win occurred with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In 2023, Jaren Jackson Jr. won the award, and he became the second Memphis Grizzlies player to do so. Marc Gasol did it years before that, and his play helped the team reach the Western Conference Finals. Fast forward to today, Jackson was traded to the Jazz, but in his time with the Grizzlies, he made history.
Defensive-Minded Guard Makes History
In recent years, the Defensive Player of the Year has gone to bigs. However, in 2022, a guard won it. Marcus Smart received the award, and outside of players like Gary Payton and Jordan, there have been very few guards.
Smart made history, and he was recognized for his excellence on that end of the floor. With his win, Smart became the second Boston Celtics player to achieve that feat. Kevin Garnett did it in his first season with the Celtics. He helped them win a championship that season. While it did not happen in the same season, Garnett’s DPOY win led to him joining a special group.
He is one of five players who have won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and Defensive Player of the Year during their careers. Giannis Antetokounmpo was the last player to accomplish that feat, as he won MVP in 2019 and 2020 and the defensive award during his second MVP season.
Overall, there have been some great players tied to this award, and when it comes to Wembanyama, this is just the beginning. He could win another Defensive Player of the Year Award, and it may be sooner rather than later.
