We’re officially just one night from the 2025/26 NBA Season tipping off. With so much to talk about, let’s kick it off with some NBA Futures; starting with the Defensive Player of the Year Award.
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2025/2026 NBA Defensive Player of the Year | via BetOnline
Past Winners — Preseason Odds to Win
- Evan Mobley — +1600
- Rudy Gobert — +1800
- Jaren Jackson Jr. — +2000
- Marcus Smart — +4000
- Rudy Gobert — +300
2025/26 Odds to Lift Larry O’Brien
- Victor Webmanyama — -180
- Chet Holmgren — +600
- Evan Mobley — +1000
- Amen Thompson — +1400
- Anthony Davis — +1800
- Dyson Daniels — +2000
The Wembanyama Conundrum
Cheat Code
Webanyama currently sits as the favorite to win this award at (-180) and barring any injury he’s probably got it wrapped up. Prior to his injury last year, he basically had the award locked up according to bookmakers. After just 46 games, Vegas oddmakers were telling us it’s Vic’s year.
Now that being said, I am not going to sit on a (-180) future bet for the next eight months. Therefore, I’m taking a look at some value on the board and picking two guys I think have a realistic shot at winning the DPOY this year.
Evan Mobley — (+1000) | via BetOnline
Reigning Defensive Player of the Year
The leap we saw Evan Mobley take last year was astounding. Not only did he increase his offensive output significantly, but he became the defensive anchor for this Cavaliers team. Mobley ranked 6th in the NBA in blocks per game (1.59) and ranked 3rd in shots contested per game. He was everywhere on the defensive side of the ball and it showed every night.
The Cavaliers defense as a whole gave up 112.4 points per game last year but a lot of that was due to the pace the Cavaliers played with on the offensive side. Cleveland ranked 3rd in opponent field goal percentage, holding opponents to just 45.4% from the field last year. Last year the Cavaliers ranked 8th in defensive rating at 111.8, but with Mobley on the court that rating dropped to 108.6; a number that would rank 2nd in the NBA.
Mobley is an old school defender. He’s going to move his feet, contest without fouling and fundamentally make opponents alter their shots. Lastly, in addition to his stellar defense, Mobley plays for a team projected to win close to 60 games this year. The Cavaliers won 64 games last year, finished atop the Eastern Conference and when it comes to Player Awards, winning matters.
Dyson Daniels — (+1000) | via BetOnline
The Great Barrier Thief
Dyson Daniels led the league in steals last year, averaging 3.0 steals per game and just under a block per game. Not only did he lead the league in steals, but also deflections; averaging 5.8 deflections per game. He consistently takes on the task of guarding the opposition’s best player, he’s on the court every night and he’s willing to pick up at 94 feet.
Daniels is coming off a Most Improved Player Award and his first career All-Defensive First Team. He’s beginning to become name recognized league wide and someone opponents prepare for when they roll into Atlanta. Last year one thing Dyson was missing was team success. The Hawks snuck into the playoffs via the play-in but a losing record and 8th place finish did not help when it came to award season.
This year the Hawks will look to compete, the bolstered the front court with Kristaps Porzingis, added depth at the guard position with Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard; all that’s left is an elite defensive wing. Wait, Atlanta’s already got one of those.
The Defensive Player of the Year Award almost never goes to a guard, that being said Marcus Smart put that to bed just a few short years ago. With the constant recognition and disruption he brings on the court, I’m taking a shot with Dyson here at 20-1.
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