Every year since 1982-83, the best defender in the NBA is voted on by a panel of professional basketball writers and broadcasters. The winner is crowned the nba defensive player of the year and receives the nba Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy.

This year, the race is as interesting as ever. There are a number of worthy candidates that have emerged in the last few months, including a few veterans and a few young players who are making their mark on the league. The results are expected to be exciting as we enter the final week before the nba All-Star break and the awards are set to be announced.

The DPOY race is always a fascinating one, but this season is especially so. With multiple injuries, the addition of several new faces and voter fatigue aplenty, this race has been incredibly tight.

A plethora of great defenders have emerged this season, and the battle between them is shaping up to be a very interesting one. From timely swats to picking pockets and lockdown clamps, these stars are doing their thing on the defensive end of the floor.

Rudy Gobert, the defending nba defensive player of the year, has been one of the top defenders in the league for years. He is a true anchor at the defensive end of the floor and his play has helped him stay on the first team for six straight seasons.

He led the league in defensive rebounds, blocks and total blocks this season. He also was one of the top defenders in terms of turnovers and forced turnovers.

Big men oftentimes get consideration for All-Defensive Teams and both Bam Adebayo and Robert Williams III have been a great addition to the Miami Heat's defense this year. The two are incredibly strong and have shown their ability to create opportunities for their teammates while anchoring the Heat's defensive unit.

Another big man that should be considered is Matisse Thybulle, who has been a top defender for the Philadelphia 76ers this season. He limits the field-goal percentage of the opposition and disrupts passing lanes, hustling for the ball when needed.

Jrue Holiday, a veteran who has been one of the better perimeter defenders in the NBA for many years, is a candidate for this award as well. He has the size, strength and ability to guard a variety of different positions and is an excellent runner as well.

Jimmy Butler is one of the most dangerous defenders in the league and his ball instincts are on another level. His ability to force turnovers and create opportunities for his teammates makes him a dangerous player in the passing lanes and he is likely to continue being an elite defender.

Draymond Green, the Warriors' star defender, is an underrated defensive talent who has been a huge part of Golden State's success this season. He's a physical marvel and can put up some impressive numbers defensively, including a career-high 1.7 steals per game this season.

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