Cleveland Cavaliers forward-center Evan Mobley has officially been named the 2024–25 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player in team history to earn the award. At just 23 years old, Mobley also joins an elite group as one of the youngest winners ever.
A Career Year on Both Ends
Mobley was a force for the Cavaliers, who secured the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 64-18 record. Across 71 games, he averaged:
- 18.5 points
- 9.3 rebounds
- 3.2 assists
- 1.6 blocks
- 0.9 steals
- All in just 30.5 minutes per game
He also became the only player in the league this season to record 1,000+ points, 600+ rebounds, 100+ blocks, and 60+ steals.
Defensive Impact by the Numbers
- 6th in the NBA in blocks per game (1.59)
- 13th in defensive rebounds per game (7.0)
- 3rd in shots contested per game (10.4)
- 4th in opponent FG% differential (allowed 3.2% less than expected)
When Mobley was on the floor, Cleveland’s defensive rating improved to 108.6, which would rank 2nd in the NBA over a full season.
Award Voting Results
Out of 100 media panel voters:
| Player | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Mobley | 35 | 30 | 20 | 285 |
| Dyson Daniels | 25 | 17 | 21 | 197 |
| Draymond Green | 15 | 20 | 19 | 154 |
Mobley edged Daniels by nearly 100 points and outpaced former winner Draymond Green by over 130.
Making Cavaliers History
Mobley is not only the first Cavalier to win the Defensive Player of the Year, but also:
- A two-time Defensive Player of the Month (Dec. & Feb.)
- A first-time NBA All-Star
- Now eighth all-time in Cavaliers history in total blocks (419)
- One of only five players in NBA history to win DPOY before turning 24
The Road Ahead
Mobley’s performance has helped set the tone for a Cavaliers team aiming for a deep playoff run. As the East’s top seed, Cleveland’s defense will be a key factor — and Mobley is at the heart of it.
With each year, he continues to evolve into one of the game’s most well-rounded big men. And this award? It might be just the beginning.
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