Sun Apr 27 03:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Cavaliers’ Mobley Named NBA Defensive Player of the Year

**Cleveland, OH –** Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley has been named the 2024-25 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, earning the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy. At 23 years old, Mobley is the fifth-youngest player to ever win the prestigious award, joining an elite group that includes Alvin Robertson, Dwight Howard, Kawhi Leonard, and Jaren Jackson Jr. No player younger than 23 has ever achieved this honor.

Mobley’s defensive dominance was evident throughout the season. He ranked sixth in the league in blocked shots (1.59 per game) and 13th in defensive rebounds (7.0 per game). Opponents shot significantly worse (44.5%) when he was their primary defender, a 3.2% decrease from their expected field goal percentage. This impressive statistic ranked him fourth among players defending at least 1,000 shots.

His impact extended beyond individual statistics. The Cavaliers boasted the eighth-best defensive rating (111.8) in the NBA with Mobley anchoring the defense. With him on the court, that rating improved to 108.6, which would have been second-best in the league. His contributions helped Cleveland achieve a franchise-best 64-18 regular season record and the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Mobley’s accolades this season also include two Kia NBA Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month awards (December and February) and his first NBA All-Star selection. He averaged 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game in 71 appearances.

The award was determined by a panel of 100 global media voters, with the results tallied by Ernst & Young LLP. Mobley beat out finalists including Dyson Daniels and Draymond Green for the honor. He celebrated the achievement with an appearance on Inside the NBA.

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