Evan Mobley Wins NBA Defensive Player of the Year

Cleveland Cavaliers forward-center Evan Mobley has been named the 2024-25 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first Cavalier to win the honor and the fifth player in league history to earn the award before turning 24. Mobley anchored Cleveland's elite defense, ranking sixth in blocked shots per game and helping the team achieve the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. He outperformed Hawks wing Dyson Daniels, who led the league in steals, and Warriors veteran Draymond Green, who finished third in voting. Mobley's defensive impact was notable for his ability to lower opponents' shooting percentages and his versatility guarding both the paint and perimeter. The award came after a strong season in which he was named an NBA All-Star and won two Defensive Player of the Month honors, with his performance filling the void left by Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, who was ineligible due to injury. Mobley's selection was determined by a panel of 100 global media members and has been widely praised as a well-deserved recognition of his defensive brilliance.