According to Polymarket, OKC’s Holmgren is the favorite to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, for now.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Spurs‘ Victor Wembanyama is a monster on the defensive end.
He has a defensive rating of 104.2 this season, along with averaging 12.9 rebounds per game and 3.6 blocks.
He is also a tremendous intimidator in the paint and around the rim, where opposing players usually think twice about challenging him at the rim.
Despite those incredible defensive numbers, he currently trails the Thunder’s Chet Holmgren in the race for the 2025-26 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
According to Polymarket, the Thunder’s big man has a 31% chance of claiming the award over Wemby, who has a 27% chance.
For comparison, Holmgren’s defensive rating is 103.0 this season, and he averages 8.0 rebounds per game and 1.5 blocks. In his last four games, he has a defensive rating of 103.9.
It is not too surprising to see how Chet leads the pack right now. The Thunder are tops in the NBA, and he is playing unlike Wemby, who has been out with an injury, but will soon return.
However, the fact that the Spurs center is keeping within close range is impressive and a reflection of how much he can overtake the race once he returns.
And if he does pass up his West rival, Wemby would receive his first of many DPOY Awards in his young career.
What do you think, Spurs fans? Let us know on X at @KENS5 and @JeffGSpursZone.