The NBA Defensive Player of the Year award is given annually to the league's top defensive player. This honor recognizes a player's ability to prevent scoring, disrupt plays, and contribute to their team's overall defensive success. The award has been presented since the 1982-1983 season and is voted on by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. Players are evaluated based on various defensive statistics, including steals, blocks, and defensive rebounds. Notable past winners include Dikembe Mutombo, Ben Wallace, and Rudy Gobert, who have all made significant impacts on their teams' defensive strategies and performance.