2026-27 NBA Season Defensive Player of the Year Power Rankings (Nov. 4) Ft. LeBron James

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The 2026-27 NBA season is still young, but the Defensive Player of the Year race is already starting to take shape. Some familiar names are once again anchoring elite defenses, making their way into the conversation through strong individual starts.

Based on performances through Nov. 4, here are the top candidates in our latest Defensive Player of the Year power rankings.

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#10 Cooper Flagg

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Cooper Flagg recorded eight combined steals and blocks against the Miami Heat on Oct. 26 - Source: Imagn — Cooper Flagg recorded eight combined steals and blocks against the Miami Heat on Oct. 26 – Source: Imagn

Cooper Flagg has made an immediate impact defensively, averaging 2.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game with a 104.4 defensive rating. His best showing came against Miami, when he finished with five steals and three blocks.

#9 LeBron James

LeBron James has recorded at least one steal in six of his seven appearances - Source: Imagn — LeBron James has recorded at least one steal in six of his seven appearances – Source: Imagn

LeBron James has put together one of his best defensive starts in years, averaging 2.3 combined steals and blocks per game, his highest mark since the 2021-22 season. Opponents are also shooting just 27.5% when he is the closest defender, the best figure in the league among players with at least 50 defended field goal attempts.

#8 Donovan Clingan

Donovan Clingan has recorded at least three blocks in four of his seven appearances - Source: Imagn — Donovan Clingan has recorded at least three blocks in four of his seven appearances – Source: Imagn

Donovan Clingan has been one of the biggest reasons Portland has opened the season so well, posting a 102.9 defensive rating while averaging 2.3 blocks per game. That puts him inside the league’s top five in blocks, and he has already had games with five blocks against Memphis and four against Denver. With Portland sitting at 6-1, his rim protection and rebounding have become a major part of one of the strongest starts in the league.

#7 Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid has recorded a 98.4 defensive rating while the Sixers have gone 7-0 in the games he has played. He is averaging 0.8 blocks and 0.7 steals per game, but his impact goes beyond the raw numbers because of how much space he takes away around the rim.

#6 Jaden McDaniels

Jaden McDaniels is playing more than 33 minutes per game while regularly taking Minnesota’s toughest defensive assignment - Source: Imagn — Jaden McDaniels is playing more than 33 minutes per game while regularly taking Minnesota’s toughest defensive assignment – Source: Imagn

Jaden McDaniels remains one of the most versatile defenders in the league. He has posted a 101.5 defensive rating while averaging 0.9 steals and 0.7 blocks per game, and his length allows him to bother shots and force turnovers. His ability to genuinely guard all five positions gives Minnesota a level of flexibility that very few teams can match.

#5 Dyson Daniels

Dyson Daniels is averaging nearly three steals per game while playing under 30 minutes a night - Source: Imagn — Dyson Daniels is averaging nearly three steals per game while playing under 30 minutes a night – Source: Imagn

Dyson Daniels continues to be a nightmare for opposing ball handlers, averaging 2.7 steals per game, tied for third most in the league. His activity has already produced games with seven steals against Charlotte and five against Orlando. With a 105.0 defensive rating, Daniels’ ability to pressure the ball and suffocate passing lanes keeps him firmly in the DPOY conversation.

#4 Amen Thompson

Amen Thompson’s four-steal performance against Dallas remains his season high - Source: Imagn — Amen Thompson’s four-steal performance against Dallas remains his season high – Source: Imagn

Amen Thompson’s numbers only tell part of the story, with his versatility allowing Houston to throw him at almost any matchup. His best defensive moment so far came against Victor Wembanyama, when Thompson met him at the rim for a huge block that helped the Rockets close out a 114-110 win over San Antonio. He is also averaging 1.2 steals per game, and his combination of strength and length has made him one of Houston’s most important defenders.

#3 Walker Kessler

Walker Kessler is averaging 4.0 combined steals and blocks per game this season - Source: Imagn — Walker Kessler is averaging 4.0 combined steals and blocks per game this season – Source: Imagn

Walker Kessler has been one of the best rim protectors in the league to start the season, averaging 2.7 blocks per game, placing him fourth in the NBA. He is also holding opponents to just 42.3% shooting as the closest defender despite facing nearly 18 shots per game, a massive workload around the rim. Add in 10.2 rebounds per game, and Kessler has become the defensive backbone of a Lakers starting lineup built much more around scoring.

#2 Ausar Thompson

Ausar Thompson has helped Detroit hold opponents below 100 points in multiple wins this season - Source: Imagn — Ausar Thompson has helped Detroit hold opponents below 100 points in multiple wins this season – Source: Imagn

Ausar Thompson has been the best defender on the league’s best defensive team, with Detroit leading the NBA in defensive rating. Individually, he has posted a 102.2 defensive rating while taking on difficult assignments across multiple positions and consistently disrupting possessions with his length and athleticism. His versatility and ability to make an impact without needing gaudy box score numbers have made him one of the strongest early DPOY candidates.

#1 Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama has already produced two games with six or more blocks this season - Source: Imagn — Victor Wembanyama has already produced two games with six or more blocks this season – Source: Imagn

Victor Wembanyama is setting the pace for the DPOY race again, averaging a league-best 4.5 blocks per game while posting a 98.6 defensive rating. Opponents are shooting just 35.3% when he is the closest defender, 15.2 percentage points below their normal efficiency.

Edited by Steffi

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