French striker Rudy Gobert just pocketed the fourth Defensive Player of The Year title in his career, going down in history and equaling the NBA record.

This morning, May 8, Vietnam time, the NBA officially announced the winner of the title of Best Defensive Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season.

By overwhelming votes compared to the rest, French striker Rudy Gobert became Defensive Player of The Year in 2024, topping the voting results with 72 out of 99 first-place votes.

Rudy Gobert becomes Defensive Player of The Year for the 2023-24 season, the fourth DPOY title in the career of the French striker

This is the fourth Defensive Player of The Year title in Rudy Gobert’s career, an NBA record equal number. Two other legends also own 4 DPOY titles: Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace.

Saying “double joy” to Gobert is because in addition to this award, the French striker just welcomed his first son yesterday (May 7) Vietnam time. He missed Game 2 of the NBA series Playoffs 2024 against the Denver Nuggets to be with his family and welcome his son.

Finishing second in the “DPOY” race was Rookie of The Year Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. Bam Adebayo placed third with a narrow margin over fourth-placed Anthony Davis.

Defensive Player of The Year voting results for the 2023-24 season

Rudy Gobert’s tight race with Victor Wembanyama

With 12.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game, Rudy Gobert is the top defensive leader in the entire NBA for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Regular Season, achieving a defensive rating of 108.4 points.

Runner-up Victor Wembanyama, although he has better individual stats (3.6 blocks, 10.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals), is part of a Spurs team that only ranks 21st in the entire NBA in terms of defense.

The performance of the San Antonio Spurs (22-60, 14th in the West) cannot be compared with the Minnesota Timberwolves (56-26, 3rd in the West).

These are two aspects mentioned by experts when ranking Rudy Gobert above Wembanyama in the Defensive Player of The Year race for the 2023-24 season.

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Personally, Victor Wembanyama admitted that it was difficult for him to win the outstanding defense award this year. However, the young French talent is confident that he can defeat his seniors in the following years.

“I know Rudy will have a very high chance of winning this season. If he wins the award, he deserves it. But let him win now because later that prize will be mine,” Wembanyama shared 2 months ago.