Evan Mobley Gets Honest About Potentially Winning 1 Notable Award

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a defensive anchor in the paint.

Evan Mobley had already shown glimpses of outstanding play on that end of the court, but he’s taken things to a whole new level this season.

He’s now a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, and while he’s no longer the odds-on favorite, he admitted that he truly wanted to win the award (via Evan Dammarell):

“It definitely was a goal of mine coming into this year. I put all the work in this year so it’s a big day,” Mobley said. “But I’m trying to be as focused as possible on the playoffs and going as far as we can. That’s the main focus right now.”

“It definitely was a goal of mine coming into this year. I put all the work in this year so it’s a big day.

“But I’m trying to be as focused as possible on the playoffs and going as far as we can. That’s the main focus right now.”#Cavs big man Evan Mobley on winning DPOTY.

— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) April 24, 2025

Mobley beat other top candidates, like Lu Dort, to crack the podium, with Draymond Green and Dyson Daniels as the other contenders.

Daniels has been an absolute menace all season long, and he established himself as a disruptive force in passing lanes and a perennial threat to block shots.

Then again, guards rarely win those awards, and the Atlanta Hawks went 40-42 for the season.

If Victor Wembanyama didn’t win the award last year because of his team’s record, then Daniels shouldn’t win it either.

Green, on the other hand, is a former winner and a perennial candidate.

He’s looked sharper and has turned back the clock this season, and he’s a well-deserved nominee.

Nevertheless, the Golden State Warriors’ defense only turned the corner once Jimmy Butler arrived, whereas the Cavs have had a top-10 defense all year long.

There are plenty of compelling arguments for all candidates.

Then again, after watching Mobley guard one through five and anchor the defense for the second-best team in the entire league, it should be an easy decision for those who get the honor of voting for these awards.