Cavs’ Mobley Crowned NBA’s Top Defender for 2024-25 Season
Cleveland Cavaliers star Evan Mobley has been named the 2024-25 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, marking a massive personal and financial milestone in his fourth season. The honor not only recognizes his elite play on defense but also triggers a $45 million bonus in his rookie max extension, now totaling $269 million over five years.
“It was one of my goals this season,” Mobley said after Cleveland’s Game 2 playoff win over the Heat. “I put in the work — now I’m locked in on the postseason.”
Mobley becomes the first Cavalier in franchise history to win the DPOY award, earning 35 first-place votes and appearing on 85 of 100 ballots. He edged out finalists Dyson Daniels (Hawks) and Draymond Green (Warriors) in what was one of the most wide-open DPOY races in recent memory.
Mobley’s season stats reflect his dominance: 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 blocks, and elite versatility on defense that helped Cleveland top the Eastern Conference standings all year.
His stellar help defense and unique agility for a player of his size have made him the anchor of a Cavs team chasing championship dreams not seen since the LeBron era.
The award announcement came as the Cavs arrived in Miami for Game 3 of their first-round series, allowing Mobley to celebrate with teammates.
This is the third major NBA award handed out this week, following Sixth Man of the Year (Payton Pritchard) and Clutch Player of the Year (Jalen Brunson). The league will announce MVP, MIP, COY, ROY, and All-NBA honors in the coming weeks.
“It was one of my goals this season,” Mobley said after Cleveland’s Game 2 playoff win over the Heat. “I put in the work — now I’m locked in on the postseason.”
Mobley becomes the first Cavalier in franchise history to win the DPOY award, earning 35 first-place votes and appearing on 85 of 100 ballots. He edged out finalists Dyson Daniels (Hawks) and Draymond Green (Warriors) in what was one of the most wide-open DPOY races in recent memory.
Mobley’s season stats reflect his dominance: 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 blocks, and elite versatility on defense that helped Cleveland top the Eastern Conference standings all year.
His stellar help defense and unique agility for a player of his size have made him the anchor of a Cavs team chasing championship dreams not seen since the LeBron era.
The award announcement came as the Cavs arrived in Miami for Game 3 of their first-round series, allowing Mobley to celebrate with teammates.
This is the third major NBA award handed out this week, following Sixth Man of the Year (Payton Pritchard) and Clutch Player of the Year (Jalen Brunson). The league will announce MVP, MIP, COY, ROY, and All-NBA honors in the coming weeks.