Skip to content
Awards ›NBA Defensive Player of the Year

NBA Defensive Player of the Year

43 winners in the database.

Most decorated

Ben Wallace 4× Dikembe Mutombo 4× Rudy Gobert 4× Dwight Howard 3× Alonzo Mourning 2× Dennis Rodman 2× Hakeem Olajuwon 2× Kawhi Leonard 2× Mark Eaton 2×

All winners

WinnerTeamYear
Evan Mobley Cleveland Cavaliers 2024
Rudy Gobert Minnesota Timberwolves 2023
Jaren Jackson Jr. Memphis Grizzlies 2022
Marcus Smart Memphis Grizzlies 2021
Rudy Gobert Minnesota Timberwolves 2020
Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks 2019
Rudy Gobert Minnesota Timberwolves 2018
Rudy Gobert Minnesota Timberwolves 2017
Draymond Green Golden State Warriors 2016
Kawhi Leonard San Antonio Spurs 2015
Kawhi Leonard San Antonio Spurs 2014
Joakim Noah Chicago Bulls 2013
Marc Gasol Memphis Grizzlies 2012
Tyson Chandler New York Knicks 2011
Dwight Howard Los Angeles Lakers 2010
Dwight Howard Los Angeles Lakers 2009
Dwight Howard Los Angeles Lakers 2008
Kevin Garnett Minnesota Timberwolves 2007
Marcus Camby Denver Nuggets 2006
Ben Wallace Detroit Pistons 2005
Ben Wallace Detroit Pistons 2004
Metta World Peace Indiana Pacers 2003
Ben Wallace Detroit Pistons 2002
Ben Wallace Detroit Pistons 2001
Dikembe Mutombo Denver Nuggets 2000
Alonzo Mourning Miami Heat 1999
Alonzo Mourning Miami Heat 1998
Dikembe Mutombo Denver Nuggets 1997
Dikembe Mutombo Denver Nuggets 1996
Gary Payton Oklahoma City Thunder 1995
Dikembe Mutombo Denver Nuggets 1994
Hakeem Olajuwon Houston Rockets 1993
Hakeem Olajuwon Houston Rockets 1992
David Robinson San Antonio Spurs 1991
Dennis Rodman Detroit Pistons 1990
Dennis Rodman Detroit Pistons 1989
Mark Eaton Utah Jazz 1988
Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls 1987
Michael Cooper Los Angeles Lakers 1986
Alvin Robertson San Antonio Spurs 1985
Mark Eaton Utah Jazz 1984
Sidney Moncrief Milwaukee Bucks 1983
Sidney Moncrief Milwaukee Bucks 1982