CLEVELAND, Ohio — Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, beating out the Golden State Warriors Draymond Green and Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks. To be eligible to win the award, a player must play in at least 65 games. Mobley played in 71.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward-center Evan Mobley is the recipient of the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy as the 2024-25 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green sent a message of praise to NBA Defensive Player of the Year winner Evan Mobley. The Golden State Warriors have found their rhythm again, regaining their winning form and playing sharp,