Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves recently claimed his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award but will he do it again in 2024-25?
That seems unlikely, especially when you look at the odds released by Bovada, per NBACentral.
Victory Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs is the heavy favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year next season.
His odds currently sit at -200, far ahead of Gobert, who has +1400 odds.
Behind these two are Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers, Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat, and more.
Is this trophy Wembanyama’s to lose?
Victor Wembanyama is the favorite to win DPOY next season, per @BovadaOfficial
•Victor Wembanyama -200
•Rudy Gobert +1400
•Chet Holmgren +1600
•Anthony Davis +1800
•Bam Adebayo +1800
•Evan Mobley +2000
•Jaren Jackson Jr. +2000
•Giannis Antetokounmpo +2800
•OG Anunoby… pic.twitter.com/WxcH5QSa1B— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 5, 2024
Even though he was just a rookie, Wembanyama had a shot at winning DPOY last season.
He put up fantastic numbers in his opening year, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and a league-high 3.6 blocks.
Meanwhile, Gobert posted 14 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game.
Now that Wembanyama has been named the league’s best rookie, bigger things are expected of him in the seasons ahead.
Most fans assume he’ll easily win this prize but he could also be in the running for MVP and more in the future.
Everyone always knew Wembanyama was going to be a huge defensive threat.
Because of his towering height and length, Wembanyama is a nightmare for opponents.
But the most amazing thing about his first season was the progress he made on the offensive end of the court.
He can defend but his ability to score is getting better and better.
He is becoming a much better player in every way, which means Defensive Player of the Year won’t be the only award he’s fighting for.
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