The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the top teams to look out for this season, but this isn’t a one-season miracle. They have a rich history and have had their fair share of star players who’ve won individual accolades over the years. However, one award that has eluded this franchise has been the coveted Defensive Player of the Year Award. The Cavaliers are one of only 11 franchises that have never had a player take this prestigious prize home. Then again, they’ve never had a defensive player as skilled as Evan Mobley. As the Wine & Gold wrap up a stellar regular-season campaign and continue their hunt for the championship, their big man has eyes on another prize to make this memorable season unforgettable. Can they? The answer lies here!
The former USC star has emerged as one of the hot favorites to win the Defensive Player of the Year Award. Well, he’s certainly making a strong case for it with his incredible performances on both ends of the floor. Mobley is averaging a career-best 18.6 points to go along with 9.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Meanwhile, he has also improved his shooting from beyond the arc. The 23-year-old is making 37.3 percent of his threes this season. This is a massive improvement from his career average of 31.6 percent. But his offensive prowess is not what he’ll be judged on, right? Don’t worry; his defensive stats are also just as impressive.
Mobley has been named the Eastern Conference’s Defensive Player of the Month twice. Moreover, he’s averaging 1.6 blocks and 0.8 steals per game. Even Darius Garland gave him the DPOY, “I mean he’s our defensive player of the year,” after the game against the Blazers. But he’s facing stern competition from Golden State’s veteran, Draymond Green, who is also among the favorites to win DPOY. Additionally, Green is well-known around the league for being vocal. So, he’s also been backing himself and urging people to support him. So what is Mobley’s strategy?
On the contrary, Mobley likes to let his game do all the talking. While talking to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Cavaliers star took a jab at his competition. “Yeah, I mean, it definitely is. I like to let my job on the court really talk. I’m not really too much of a talkative guy, but I mean, I think I definitely deserve this award.” Mobley stated on the ‘Brian Windhorst and the Hoops Collective‘ podcast.
Dec 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) celebrates a three-point basket against the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
“Just based on what we’ve been talking about this entire interview and my defensive prowess, I feel like it’s top tier from what I put out this whole season. I’m going to keep doing that, and I really can’t wait for the playoffs to up it even more.” He added. Well, the Cavs’ number 4 has a fair claim to the DPOY award. Mobley has done his defensive work swiftly. Moreover, he’s the league’s only player averaging at least 1.5 blocks and fewer than two personal fouls per game. His stats speak volumes, yet the 23-year-old big man remains grounded and is focused on notching up his performances in the playoffs. While it remains to be seen if he bags the DPOY award or not, if he does, a huge paycheck might be awaiting the Cavaliers’ superstar.
Evan Mobley is guaranteed a massive payday if he wins DPOY
Evan Mobley has been excellent on both ends of the floor this season. He’s been fantastic in the paint and also on the perimeter. Honestly speaking, he’s spearheaded the Cavaliers’ defense that ranks third in the league for field goal percentage at .455 and ranks seventh overall with him on the floor. While he’s more focused on leading his team to the Larry O’Brien Trophy, keeping an eye on the DPOY might not hurt. Especially because he’s going to have a massive payday if he does manage to grab the honors. Brian Windhorst pointed this out while speaking to the Cleveland Star. “So, look, it’d be crazy not to mention this. If you win Defensive Player of the Year or you make All-NBA, which you have a strong case for both, it’s like a $45 million bonus.” Windhorst said.
He further elaborated that this doesn’t mean he isn’t accusing the 23-year-old of thinking about money. But a $45 million paycheck for your hard work never hurt anyone, eh? “But, like, nobody would blame you if you said, hey, I think I’d like to get to $45 million. Like, I don’t think anybody would blame you. Have you thought about that at all?” he asked Evan Mobley. And the response?
The Cavaliers’ big man answered the question just as you’d expect him, with humility. “Yeah, I mean, definitely, I thought through my head, for sure. But, I mean, the main thing is just getting what you deserve.” Mobley said. “I mean, I feel like I’ve put out a great season so far on both ends, on the All-NBA terms and on the Defensive Player of the Year terms. I feel like you should get what you deserve.” Mobley certainly is making a strong case for DPOY this season.
Darius Garland: “I can go on podcasts and do the same thing for my boy.”
Evan Mobley: “Guy my size, my wingspan, my agility. You don’t really see that. There’s nobody close to that. People don’t even go up on me in the paint.“
Darius Garland: “TALK YO TALK.” pic.twitter.com/db6SxrSAKj
— ¹⁰ (@HoodiGarland) April 9, 2025
While he might not be the one making the most noise, he has his stats and even his teammates to do the talking. Recently, Mobley’s teammate Darius Garland hyped up the Cavs’ DYOP candidate. “Blocks, deflections, switching out one through five when on elite guards. It’s really a guard’s league right now, and he’s switching out on the top guards in the league and really holding his own. We all stay home when he gets the switch. That’s how much confidence we have in him.” Garland said after their recent matchup. Moreover, he suggested that “I can go on podcasts and do the same thing for my boy.” But he doesn’t have to because he’s that good. Well, the battle for DYOP seems to be heating up as we await the decision. Everyone will be keeping a close eye on this one. But where do you wish to garage your trust? Let us know in the comments!
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