DraftKings updated their NBA Awards page and Rudy Gobert is the betting favorite to win the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year at +550 odds, but Robert Williams III aka RW3 from the Boston Celtics is close behind at +650 odds, and Bam Adebayo from the Miami Heat looms at +700 odds to win the DPOY.

Big man Robert Williams was an important centerpiece of the top-ranked defense from the Boston Celtics last season. (Image: Getty)

Gobert is a three-time winner of the prestigious NBA Defensive Player of the Year award as the league’s top defender. He’s trying to join an exclusive club of four-time winners that includes Ben Wallace and Dikembe Mutombo.

2023 NBA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR ODDS
  • Rudy Gobert +550
  • Robert Williams +650
  • Bam Adebayo +700
  • Draymond Green +1100
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo +1200
  • Mikal Bridges +1300
  • Joel Embiid +1500
  • Marcus Smart +1800
  • Evan Mobley +2000
  • Jaren Jackson, Jr +2000
  • Anthony Davis +2000
  • Ben Simmons +2500
  • Jarrett Allen +3000
  • Myles Turner +3500
  • Jrue Holiday +3500
  • Chet Holmgren +6000
  • Dejounte Murray +6000
  • Deandre Ayton +9000

If Williams did not suffer a late-season knee injury, the Celtics center could’ve won his first Defensive Player of the Year award as the anchor for the best defense in the NBA.

Instead, William’s teammate Marcus Smart became the first guard in over two decades to win the Defensive Player of the Year. Smart is +1800 odds to win the DPOY in back-to-back seasons.

Faves: Gobert, Bam, RW3, or Green?

No one questions Gobert’s ability to play defense. He’s easily one of the supreme rim protectors in the league and he loves playing defense. However, Gobert wore out his welcome with the Utah Jazz, which in turn affected the locker room and his overall game. The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired Gobert in a ridiculous trade with the Jazz, but the team change should be beneficial for Gobert and the Timberwolves. Gobert is the consensus favorite to win his fourth Defensive Player of the Year Award at +550 odds.

If not Gobert, then it has to be Williams right? Williams is second on the board at +650 odds, but his creaky knees could throw a wrench into his plans of winning his first-ever Defensive Player of the Year award. The Celtics were phenomenal on defense last season because of their switch-heavy scheme to shit down any pick-and-roll. Williams has the rare ability for a big man who can handle smaller guards on the perimeter, while banging in the paint with the giants.

Bam Adebayo is the heart and soul of the Miami Heat defense, and he’s worthy of a flier at +700 odds if Williams has injury issues, and Gobert struggles to adapt to his new team.

Draymond Green won the DPOY back in 2017. As he’s gotten older, Green lost a bit of his physical edge, but he’s gained a significant boost with mind games. Green has the uncanny ability to get inside the heads of opposing players and coaches. But at this point in his career, he’s overvalued at +1100 odds.

DPOY: Greek Freak, Bridges, Simmons, or Holmgren?

The Greek Freak won the DPOY back in 2020, and the two-time MVP would love to add a second trophy to his collection. You can back him at +1200 odds.

Mikal Bridges emerged as the top defender for the Phoenix Suns last season, but he’s been mentioned in trade rumors involving Kevin Durant. If the Suns do not acquire Durant, then he’s a strong value play at +1300 odds.

Joel Embiid from the Philadelphia 76ers narrowly missed winning the MVP last season, but he’s +1500 odds to win his first DPOY award.

The LA Lakers ride or die with the injury-prone Anthony Davis. When he’s healthy, AD is a two-way beast and unstoppable on both ends of the floor. He’s length provides the Lakers with a agile rim protector, but that’s only when he’s on the court and not sitting on the bench in street clothes nursing his latest injury. Davis is +2000 odds to win DPOY because bookies and bettors question his durability.

Ben Simmons has a chance to shine with the Brooklyn Nets after a disastrous exit from the Philadelphia 76ers. Sure, he’s shooting woes will continue to haunt him, but he’s one of the best defensive point guards in the league who can handle guards, wings, and big men with ease. You can take a flier on Simmons at +2500.

Chet Holmgren is the only rookie in the Top 20 on the board, but he’s still a long shot at +6000 odds to win the DPOY. The #2 pick out of Gonzaga looked like a human fly swatter for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Summer League.