Evan Mobley: 2024-25 NBA Defensive Player of the Year

A Defensive Cornerstone

Cleveland Cavaliers forward-center Evan Mobley was named the 2024-25 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, earning the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy for his transformative impact on the court. The 23-year-old All-Star became the first Cavalier to win the award, anchoring a top-tier defense that propelled Cleveland to a 64-18 record and the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed.

Season Stats and Impact

Mobley averaged 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 0.9 steals in 30.5 minutes across 71 games, shooting 57.2% from the field, 37.3% from three, and 76.8% from the free-throw line. His defensive presence was elite, with opponents shooting just 44.5% when he was the closest defender—3.2% below their expected 47.7%. Cleveland’s defensive rating was 108.6 with Mobley on the court (second-best league-wide) versus 114.3 without him. He contested 10.4 shots per game (fifth in the NBA) and ranked second in field goal percentage allowed on shots within five feet.

Clutch Defensive Prowess

Mobley’s versatility shone in high-stakes moments. He defended guards, forwards, and centers for at least 800 possessions each, one of only two players (with Jaren Jackson Jr.) to do so. In clutch situations (final five minutes, score within five points), he held opponents to 40.8% shooting and averaged 0.8 blocks per game. His ability to switch on perimeter threats like Jamal Murray while protecting the rim deterred drives, with teammates noting opponents often avoided challenging him.

Record-Breaking Feats

Mobley set a Cavaliers record for most games with three or more blocks (18) in a season. On December 7, 2024, he became the second player under 25 (after Kevin Durant) to record 40+ points, 10+ rebounds, 3+ blocks, and 5+ three-pointers in a game, scoring a career-high 41 against Charlotte. His 113 blocks ranked fifth league-wide, and he was the only player averaging at least 1.5 blocks with two or fewer fouls per game.

Voting Results: A Clear Victory

Mobley won with 285 points, including 35 first-place votes from a 100-member global media panel. Atlanta’s Dyson Daniels earned 197 points (25 first-place votes), and Golden State’s Draymond Green had 154 points (15 first-place votes). Seven players received first-place votes, but Mobley’s consistent impact gave him a decisive edge.

Historical Significance

As the fifth 23-year-old to win the award—joining Alvin Robertson, Dwight Howard, Kawhi Leonard, and Jaren Jackson Jr.—Mobley is the youngest recipient since Leonard in 2015. He’s the first Cavalier to earn the honor, following his 2023 All-Defensive First Team selection and third-place DPOY finish in 2022-23.

Looking Ahead

“It was a big goal of mine,” Mobley said on TNT. With a max extension boosting his contract by $45 million, he’s poised to lead Cleveland’s playoff push. As the Cavaliers aim for their first Finals since 2018, Mobley’s defensive mastery remains their bedrock.