The Cleveland Cavaliers have the best defensive player in the league right now.
Evan Mobley has finally taken his game to a whole new level, fulfilling the untapped potential he had shown earlier in his career.
His impact is so notorious that even when he’s not the one altering shots, he gives his teammates the room and confidence to freelance and take risks because he’s right there waiting in the restricted area.
Notably, that’s why NBA analyst Mike Lucas believes he should be an easy pick for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Talking on the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show, he explained how important Mobley has been on defense, adding that having him and Jarrett Allen in the paint gives other not-so-defensive-savvy players more room to take chances.
.@MikeLucasTV gives a ringing endorsement to #Cavs All-Star Evan Mobley, whom he believes should be the DPOY in the NBA this year.#LetEmKnow | https://t.co/QS5EEmac77 pic.twitter.com/mwUVnRMQy6
— Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show (@ultCLEsports) April 7, 2025
With Victor Wembanyama out for the season, Mobley should be the clear-cut candidate to win the award.
He’s the odds-on favorite ahead of Memphis Grizzlies star and former winner Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Cavaliers have taken opponents down with their offense, which has been either the best or second-best in the league all season long.
Then again, their defense, while underrated, has also been in the top ten for most of the campaign, and plenty of that has to do with Mobley.
Not many players can hold their ground and defend one through five, and when he’s at his best, there’s just no getting by him in the paint.
NEXT: Analyst Has Honest Admission About Cavs Team This Season
