Victor Wembanyama was, until Thursday’s news that he is expected to miss the rest of the season due to a blood clot in his shoulder, a strong favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year award. He has significantly outperformed others in defensive statistics this season. Now that he is ineligible for the award due to missing the minimum mandated games, the spotlight switches to other candidates such as Jaren Jackson Jr. and Evan Mobley.

The trends that historically favor candidates include team defense performance and overall team success in the playoff context. Players that may emerge in the running include Lu Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, while Dyson Daniels and Amen Thompson may also present underdog chances.

With Wembanyama’s injury, the award race now opens up with various potential outcomes.