What to know: Many believe Wemby was robbed of the award last year, but it appears that won't be the case this year. A center or power forward has won DPOY 17 of the last 20 years. Kawhi Leonard won it in 2014-15 and 2015-16, and Marcus Smart won it in 2021-22. Wemby currently leads the league in blocks with 3.8 per game.

Victor Wembanyama was, until Thursday's news that he's expected to miss the rest of the season, a mortal lock to win Defensive Player of the Year. He has blocked 74 more shots tha

Victor Wembanyama has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. While the shocking news is disappointing to both the San Antonio Spurs and fans around the leauge, the team is optimistic that Wemby will return for the start of next seaso n.