The Cleveland Cavaliers are the best team in the league, and as such, it only makes sense that some of their players lead the race for most awards.
That’s not necessarily the case, as they don’t have a top-five MVP candidate, either because of their status as a small-market team or because they don’t have any player flirting with a 30-PPG average.
However, at least Evan Mobley is getting some recognition for his play.
As reported by Danny Cunningham on X, the USC standout has now become the odds-on favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year at FanDuel.
#Cavs Evan Mobley has become the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year at FanDuel. He's listed at +130 to win the award.
Memphis' Jaren Jackson Jr. is second at +135, Atlanta's Dyson Daniels is third at +850.
— Danny Cunningham (@RealDCunningham) February 26, 2025
He’s currently listed at +130 odds to take the award home, with Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. second at +135, and Atlanta Hawks’ Dyson Daniels third at +850.
With Victor Wembanyama suffering a season-ending injury and no longer being eligible to win the award, Mobley has overtaken him as the top candidate.
That should be a surprise to no one, given his play.
He’s currently averaging 0.9 steals and 1.6 blocks per game.
Mobley’s ability to guard one through five isn’t common for a player his size, and he can defend the length of the court if need be.
Also, given his offensive surge and newly-found shooting stroke, he could and should also be near the top of the pack to win Most Improved Player.
The Cavs should also have the leading candidate for Sixth Man of the Year in Ty Jerome and Coach of the Year in Kenny Atkinson.
NEXT: Stats Show How Cavs Have Dominated Since De'Andre Hunter Trade
