Draymond Green has been a key contributor for the Golden State Warriors this season. Because of his impact, many consider him the favorite to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. As the conversation around the honor grows, Green decided to share his own pick for who should win it.

Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after the Warriors made a shot against the LA Clippers in the first half at Chase Center on April 13, 2025 in San Francisco, California.
© Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesDraymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after the Warriors made a shot against the LA Clippers in the first half at Chase Center on April 13, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

The Golden State Warriors have endured a season filled with ups and downs. However, they’ve stayed in the playoff race thanks to the leadership of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

Even if both have shined, Draymond’s performance has placed him among the best defenders of the league this season.

Given his impact on that end of the floor, he has emerged as a strong contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award. Besides, Green recently spoke about the award naming who he thinks deserves to win it.

“Oh man, I think—put it in the bag. That’s what I think. Put it in the bag. Yours truly. That’s who I’m rocking with…Listen, I think Evan Mobley has had a great year.

Dyson Daniels has had a great year. I think Zubac has had a great year. All those guys have had great years.

I ain’t taking nothing away from them—and I see them on First-Team All-Defense. But I think DPOY should go to yours truly. I’ll take that,” stated Green on his podcast.

Even if Green’s NBA season has been productive, Dyson Daniels and Ivica Zubac are also making strong cases for the award. 

Both players have also been consistent and impactful on defense. Daniels brings elite perimeter pressure, while Zubac protects the rim and dominates the paint.

For that reason, the competition for the award remains tight. There is still a long way to go in the season. A lot can change during this final stretch. Every game will matter in determining who takes home the honor.

Draymond Green shouting

Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot against the Sacramento Kings during the first half at Chase Center on March 13, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

Who is favored to win the 2025 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award?

Although several players are in the race for the Defensive Player of the Year award like Draymond Green, Dyson Daniels, and Ivica Zubac.

Nevertheless, Evan Mobley stands out as the clear favorite. He continues to be a key piece for the Cleveland Cavaliers. His impact is felt every night on one of the best teams in the NBA.

Moreover, Mobley combines versatility with elite rim protection. He already has 61 steals and 113 blocks this season. These numbers place him among the league’s most dominant defenders. And as the season progresses, his case for the award keeps getting stronger.