Who will win WNBA Defensive Player of the Year? Breaking down the top candidates
The WNBA season is winding down, but conversations around end of season awards are heating up. Who will win Defensive Player of the Year?
The 2026 WNBA regular season is nearing its close, and discussions about end-of-season accolades are gaining momentum. While Rookie of the Year, Olivia Miles is the clear frontrunner, the Defensive Player of the Year category remains a mystery. Three players are in contention: Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries, A ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, and Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream.
Gabby Williams secured the DPOY honor last season, sharing it with Alanna Smith. She is back in the conversation after a strong All-Star performance. Williams leads the Valkyries in steals per game, averaging 1.6, which ranks ninth in the league. She also earned the Best Defensive Player award at the FIBA Women's World Cup. A ja Wilson, a 6-foot-4 center, is considered the best rim protector in the WNBA.
She leads the league in total blocks (74), blocks per game (2), and combined steals and blocks (127). She recently recorded five blocks in a single game, alongside 25 points and 15 rebounds. Her 18 double-doubles this season are tied for fourth in the league. Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard is another candidate, boasting career-high averages in points (18.9), field-goal percentage (41.6%), and 3-point percentage (36.8).
Howard leads the league in steals (2.5 per game) and ranks second in combined steals and blocks (126). She is the favorite to win the award this season.
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