The WNBA's Defensive Player of the Year award is a highly contested honor, and the 2026 season is no exception. With several standout candidates, the race promises to be a thrilling one. Here's a deep dive into the contenders and the unique aspects of their defensive prowess.
Breanna Stewart: Versatility and Impact
Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty stands out as a strong candidate. Her ability to adapt to different defensive roles is remarkable. Stewart guards all three position groups, making her one of the few players to do so for over 100 possessions. This versatility is crucial for the Liberty's success, especially with their injury-plagued team.
Stewart's impact on the rim defense is notable. Opponents attempt shots at the rim 5.6 percentage points fewer when she's on the floor, and these shots convert at a lower rate. Her rim deterrence is a key factor in the team's defensive identity, which heavily relies on her positioning and rotations.
Stewart's defensive impact extends beyond the box score. She ranks high in defensive rAPM, a metric that measures lineup influence without relying solely on statistics. Her raw block and steal percentages further showcase her two-way ability, making her a rare find for a team with a less athletic defensive supporting cast.
Rhyne Howard: Perimeter Dominance
Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream is a defensive specialist, particularly in guarding perimeter assignments. Her performance against top guards like Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark is impressive. Howard's ability to limit their scoring output is a testament to her defensive prowess.
Howard's impact on the team's turnover numbers is significant. With her on the floor, opponents have a higher turnover percentage, and this trend is empirically verifiable. She leads the league in steal percentage, indicating her role as the on-ball engine driving the team's defensive success.
Minnesota Lynx: Complementary Defense
The Minnesota Lynx boast the league's second-best defense, and their two-woman sample of Natasha Howard and Nia Coffey highlights their complementary nature. When they play together, the Lynx post a strong defensive rating, but split them up, and the defense remains elite.
Coffey's defensive prowess is evident in her ability to suppress opponents' shot quality, especially in pick-and-roll situations. Her length and timing allow her to contest shots from various ranges, making her an exceptional defender.
Golden State Valkyries: Team Defense
The Golden State Valkyries have the league's top defensive rating, and their success is a team effort. Four players, Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, and Kiah Stokes, each bring unique skills to the court.
Williams is a versatile defender, matching up against top perimeter scorers while maintaining a high steal rate. Burton anchors the point of attack, suffocating All-Star guards. Thornton takes on tough frontcourt assignments, holding stars like A'ja Wilson in check. Stokes is the last resort rim defender, leading the league in block rate.
The Valkyries' team-wide defensive success is evident in their large sample size and impressive defensive rating. While individual DPOY arguments are challenging to make, the team's collective effort is a strong case for the award.
In conclusion, the Defensive Player of the Year award in the WNBA is a highly competitive race. Each candidate brings unique strengths and impacts to their teams. Whether it's versatility, perimeter defense, or team-wide excellence, these players showcase the depth of defensive talent in the league. The award will go to the player who best embodies the defensive prowess and leadership required to excel in the WNBA.
