Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers has been named the 2024–25 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, marking a historic achievement as the first Cavaliers player to win this prestigious honor. Mobley joins an elite group of just five players to win the award at age 23, solidifying his place among NBA defensive legends.
Mobley’s Defensive Dominance:
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285 total points in the voting, leading the pack with 35 first-place votes and 30 second-place votes.
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Key Statistics:
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1.59 blocks per game (6th in the NBA).
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7.0 defensive rebounds per game (13th in the NBA).
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10.4 shots contested per game (Top 3 among qualified players).
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Opponents shot just 44.5% when guarded by Mobley, 3.2% below their expected average.
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Mobley’s defense helped transform the Cavaliers into one of the league's best defensive teams. While Cleveland ranked 8th in overall defensive rating, their numbers were a second-best level when Mobley was on the floor.
Mobley’s Impact Beyond Defense:
Mobley was also a major contributor on offense, averaging:
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18.5 points per game.
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9.3 rebounds per game.
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3.2 assists per game.
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0.9 steals per game.
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Played 30.5 minutes per game over 71 games.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ Success:
Mobley’s all-around contributions helped the Cavaliers achieve a 64-18 record, the second-best in franchise history, and the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Mobley Joins Elite Company:
At age 23, Mobley joins the ranks of:
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Alvin Robertson (1985–86).
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Dwight Howard (2008–09).
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Kawhi Leonard (2014–15).
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Jaren Jackson Jr. (2022–23).
Since the award’s inception in 1982–83, no player younger than 23 has won the Defensive Player of the Year.
Notable Achievements in 2024–25:
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First NBA All-Star selection.
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Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month (December and February).
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Led Cleveland to the top seed in the East.
This honor is a testament to Mobley’s exceptional talent, impact on both ends of the court, and ability to elevate his team’s defensive play.
