Evan Mobley has officially been named the 2025 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, making history as the first player in Cleveland Cavaliers franchise history to win the award. At just 23 years old, Mobley also becomes the fifth-youngest player in NBA history to claim the honor.
Mobley edged out tough competition in Atlanta’s Dyson Daniels (2nd) and Golden State’s Draymond Green (3rd), receiving 35 first-place votes, 30 second-place votes, and 20 third-place votes from the league’s panel of media voters.
In his fourth NBA season, the 6-foot-11 forward anchored one of the league’s top defensive teams, showcasing elite versatility and rim protection. Mobley averaged:
- 18.5 points
- 9.3 rebounds
- 1.6 blocks
- 0.9 steals per game
His impact goes far beyond the box score. Mobley consistently took on the toughest defensive assignments — switching onto guards, protecting the rim, and shutting down interior scoring. His instincts, timing, and ability to defend across all five positions made him the defensive centerpiece in Cleveland.
This award marks a major milestone not just for Mobley, but for a Cavaliers team on the rise. With young talent, playoff experience, and now a Defensive Player of the Year in Mobley, the Cavs are officially a force to be reckoned with.
Mobley’s win also continues a recent trend of younger, positionally versatile bigs redefining NBA defense — following in the footsteps of guys like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Cavs may not have a championship yet in this era, but with Mobley holding it down on defense, their future looks elite.
