Evan Mobley shines as defensive player of the year in NBA

In the United States, the NBA announced the All-Defensive teams for the 2024-25 season on May 22, 2025. Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley was honored as the top vote-getter for the All-Defensive first team and also earned the title of defensive player of the year. Notably, Mobley received an overwhelming total of 99 first-team votes from a panel of 100 writers and broadcasters, showcasing widespread recognition of his defensive prowess this season. Only one writer voted him to the second team, underscoring his dominance in defensive play during the year. Joining Mobley on the first team were Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, and Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson. Daniels notably appeared on all 100 ballots, gathering 91 first-team votes and 9 second-team votes, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier defenders in the league. Luguentz Dort and Draymond Green also demonstrated strong defensive skills, making significant contributions to their teams. Green, a veteran, proved his consistent performance by being named to the first team for the fifth time and achieving a total of nine All-Defensive picks overall. Amen Thompson earned his spot as a recognition of his rising defensive capabilities as well. The second team for the All-Defensive selections consisted of Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara, Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams, and Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac. Gobert, who has garnered praise for his defensive skills over the years, further solidified his legacy as an eight-time All-Defensive team selection. This season marked a shift in voting, as the league removed positional requirements, enabling voters to select the top ten defenders regardless of their position, making the selections more representative of defensive talent across the board. Ballots for the awards were cast just before the commencement of the playoffs, adding suspense and excitement as fans awaited the results. These selections highlight the NBA's commitment to acknowledging exceptional defensive performances, which are often overshadowed by offensive statistics. Upcoming announcements included the unveiling of the All-NBA teams, which further emphasizes the significance of recognizing excellence across various facets of basketball. The competitive landscape of the league is increasingly being defined by its standout defensive players, suggesting a bright future for the NBA as new defensive talent emerges.