Chet Holmgren named as 2025-26 Defensive Player of the Year finalist

TL;DR

Chet Holmgren has been named a finalist for the 2025-26 Defensive Player of the Year award. He joins Victor Wembanyama and Ausar Thompson as contenders, with the winner to be announced on April 20.

Key points

Chet Holmgren is a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year.
Other finalists include Victor Wembanyama and Ausar Thompson.
The Oklahoma City Thunder had a 64-18 record this season.

Oklahoma City Thunder

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 19: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates a made basket during the first half against the Phoenix Suns in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center on April 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

In a weekend filled with high-leverage basketball, the 2026 NBA playoffs are officially underway. That means we're closer to finding out the 2025-26 regular season award winners.

The Oklahoma City Thunder had a handful of finalists announced. Shouldn't be a shocker. They had an NBA-best 64-18 record and plus-11.1 point differential. After they picked up a 119-84 Game 1 win over the Phoenix Suns, they had their two All-Star representatives get love.

Chet Holmgren was announced as a 2025-26 Defensive Player of the Year finalist. The other two were and . The award winner will be announced on Monday, Apr. 20.

Q&A

Who are the finalists for the 2025-26 Defensive Player of the Year?

The finalists are Chet Holmgren, Victor Wembanyama, and Ausar Thompson.

When will the 2025-26 Defensive Player of the Year winner be announced?

The winner will be announced on April 20, 2026.

What was the Oklahoma City Thunder's record during the 2025-26 season?

The Oklahoma City Thunder had an NBA-best record of 64-18 during the 2025-26 season.