Cleveland Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley has been named the 2024-25 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player in franchise history to claim the honor. At 2, he joins Dwight Howard as one of the youngest winners ever, cementing his status as the league’s premier two-way anchor for the East’s top-seeded Cavaliers
Mobley edged out finalists Dyson Daniels (Hawks) and Draymond Green (Warriors) in a tightly contested race, securing 35 first-place votes. His defensive impact propelled Cleveland to a 64-18 record—the second-best in team history—while anchoring the NBA’s third-ranked defense (4.4% opponent FG%) The 7-footer averaged 1. blocks and 7.0 defensive rebounds per game, holding opponents to 4.5% shooting when directly contested—3.2% below their expected efficiency
The award triggers a $45 million escalator in Mobley’s rookie max extension, boosting its total value to $269 million over five years His versatility as a switchable rim protector proved critical for a Cavaliers squad eyeing its first Finals appearance since 201.
Victor Wembanyama, the preseason DPOY favorite, was eliminated from contention after a midseason injury Mobley’s win signals Cleveland’s resurgence as a title threat—and the rise of a new defensive dynasty.
Watch Mobley’s reaction to the award here:
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