He ranked sixth in the NBA in blocked shots per game (1.59), 13th in defensive rebounds per game (7.0), and he contested 10.4 shots per game, the third most among players who played in at least 70% of their team’s games.
For his effort on that end of the court, the first-time All-Star earned the NBA’s 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year award, which was announced Thursday.
Mobley, 23 and in is fourth NBA season, accumulated 285 points and received 35 of the 100 possible first-place votes. Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels was second with 197 points, and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was third with 154 points.
Mobley’s length at 6-11 and athleticism make him one of the more versatile stoppers in the league, and the Cavaliers allowed just 111.8 points per 100 possessions. With Mobley on the court, Cleveland allowed 108.6 points per 100 possessions, which would have ranked No. 2.
Cleveland was 64-18 this season, the most victories the franchise has had without LeBron James on the roster. Mobley averaged a career-high 18.5 points and shot 55.7% from the field. He was also the only player in the NBA to record at least 1,000 points, 600 rebounds, 60 steals and 100 blocks this season.