NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award Winners

History and Overview

The NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award was introduced in the 1982-83 season. A panel of broadcasters and sportswriters selects the winner annually. The award recognizes the player who has demonstrated the most outstanding defensive performance during the regular season.

Past Winners

Some notable past winners of the DPOY award include:

1. Hakeem Olajuwon (two-time winner)
2. Dennis Rodman (four-time winner)
3. Dikembe Mutombo (four-time winner)
4. Ben Wallace (four-time winner)
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo (two-time winner)