List of NBA Defensive Players of the Year in the regular season throughout league history.

Defensive Player of the Year award was created by NBA in 1982-83 season.

NBA players selected as Defensive Player of the Year by season

SeasonPlayerTeam
2022-23Jaren Jackson Jr.Memphis Grizzlies
2021-22Marcus SmartBoston Celtics
2020-21Rudy GobertUtah Jazz
2019-20Giannis AntetokounmpoMilwaukee Bucks
2018-19Rudy GobertUtah Jazz
2017-18Rudy GobertUtah Jazz
2016-17Draymond GreenGolden State Warriors
2015-16Kawhi LeonardSan Antonio Spurs
2014-15Kawhi LeonardSan Antonio Spurs
2013-14Joakim NoahChicago Bulls
2012-13Marc GasolMemphis Grizzlies
2011-12Tyson ChandlerNew York Knicks
2010-11Dwight HowardOrlando Magic
2009-10Dwight HowardOrlando Magic
2008-09Dwight HowardOrlando Magic
2007-08Kevin GarnettBoston Celtics
2006-07Marcus CambyDenver Nuggets
2005-06Ben WallaceDetroit Pistons
2004-05Ben WallaceDetroit Pistons
2003-04Metta World PeaceIndiana Pacers
2002-03Ben WallaceDetroit Pistons
2001-02Ben WallaceDetroit Pistons
2000-01Dikembe MutomboPhiladelphia 76ers
1999-00Alonzo MourningMiami Heat
1998-99Alonzo MourningMiami Heat
1997-98Dikembe MutomboAtlanta Hawks
1996-97Dikembe MutomboAtlanta Hawks
1995-96Gary PaytonSeattle SuperSonics
1994-95Dikembe MutomboDenver Nuggets
1993-94Hakeem OlajuwonHouston Rockets
1992-93Hakeem OlajuwonHouston Rockets
1991-92David RobinsonSan Antonio Spurs
1990-91Dennis RodmanDetroit Pistons
1989-90Dennis RodmanDetroit Pistons
1988-89Mark EatonUtah Jazz
1987-88Michael JordanChicago Bulls
1986-87Michael CooperLos Angeles Lakers
1985-86Alvin RobertsonSan Antonio Spurs
1984-85Mark EatonUtah Jazz
1983-84Sidney MoncriefMilwaukee Bucks
1982-83Sidney MoncriefMilwaukee Bucks