Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley has been named the 2025 NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), the league announced Thursday. Mobley, in his fourth season, earned his first career DPOY honor after a standout defensive campaign that played a key role in the Cavaliers’ success during the regular season.
In a competitive race for the award, Mobley edged out Golden State Warriors’ veteran Draymond Green and rising Atlanta Hawks star Dyson Daniels. Mobley’s impressive season averages included 18.5 points per game, 9.3 rebounds per game (7.0 defensive rebounds), 1.6 blocks per game, and 0.9 steals per game. His defensive prowess contributed heavily to the Cavaliers’ dominant 64-18 regular-season record, which secured them the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Mobley’s Defensive Impact
Mobley’s rim protection and versatility were key to his success in the DPOY race. The 22-year-old was a force in Cleveland’s defensive schemes, shutting down opposing offenses while also contributing offensively. The Cavaliers’ defense finished among the league’s best, largely thanks to Mobley’s presence in the paint, as well as his ability to switch across multiple positions and guard perimeter players.
In a year where the race for DPOY was more open than usual, Mobley’s standout consistency and leadership helped him finish with 285 total points, receiving 35 first-place votes and 30 second-place votes. He comfortably beat out Daniels, who garnered 197 points, and Green, who accumulated 154 points.
The Open DPOY Race
This year’s DPOY race lacked a clear frontrunner, partly due to several prominent candidates not meeting the eligibility requirements. Players needed to appear in at least 65 games to be considered, and several stars, including San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, who had a stellar defensive season, were sidelined. Wembanyama played just 46 games due to a shoulder injury and missed a significant portion of the season. As a result, he was not eligible for the award, despite leading the league in blocks with 176.
Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies, who was initially seen as a favorite for the award, also did not make the final cut for DPOY finalists. This opened the door for Mobley to emerge as the winner.
Looking Ahead
As the Cavaliers head into the postseason, Mobley is expected to play a key role in their pursuit of an NBA Championship. With a 2-0 series lead over the Miami Heat in their first-round matchup, Mobley’s stellar defensive play will be crucial as Cleveland looks to make a deep playoff run.
Mobley’s win marks a major milestone in his career, as he becomes one of the youngest players to ever claim the Defensive Player of the Year award.
