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.

Mobley received 35 first-place votes, 10 more than second-place finisher Dyson Daniels of the Hawks. The Warriors' Draymond Green came in third, while the Thunder's Luguentz Dort, Rockets ' Amen Thompson, Clippers ' Ivica Zubac and Bucks ' Giannis Antetokounmpo also received first-place votes.

Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Evan Mobley was named the NBA's top defensive player for the first time Thursday, taking home the 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year Award. Mobley beat out fellow finalists Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green to win the award.