Evan Mobley Wins 2025 NBA Defensive Player Award

Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers has won the 2024-25 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award at age 23, making him the franchise's first ever recipient and one of the youngest winners. Mobley's win, which secures him the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy, also triggers a $45 million bonus in his contract extension, pushing the Cavaliers over the NBA’s second salary cap apron and potentially impacting their roster flexibility. Mobley finished ahead of Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, who led the league in steals and deflections and was the top choice among NBA coaches, highlighting a divide between media and coaching votes. Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors, a former winner, finished third after a strong late-season campaign. Mobley's defensive presence was critical to Cleveland's league-best record in the Eastern Conference, as shown by the team's drop-off when he was off the court. The results have reignited debate over the criteria for defensive awards, particularly regarding positional value and recognition for guards.