The Cleveland Cavaliers are campaigning the case of Evan Mobley in winning the 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year.
For Donovan Mitchell, the fact that the Cavaliers boast the top-rated defensive rating, Mobley is surely deserving to claim the award, further referencing his experience with Rudy Gobert – his former teammate in the Utah Jazz.
“We’re the No. 1 defense,” Mitchell said of Mobley, via Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. “Guards 1-5. Doesn’t get into foul trouble. Switching late in games. He is communicating. He’s blocking shots and running out in transition. He should be Defensive Player of the Year. I’ve played with a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, so I know what it looks like. Seeing it with him for sure.”
Meanwhile, coach J.B. Bickerstaff described Mobley as one of the most impactful players in the league given his defensive versatility.
“He is one of the most impactful defensive players that’s not limited to a single thing,” Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “He’s not just an elite, one-on-one defender. He’s not just an elite pick-and-roll defender. He’s not just an elite rim protector. He has the versatility to guard every position. He’s been that for a team that’s been the number one defense for a majority of the year. Night by night his matchup changes, but his responsibilities don’t.”
Mobley, 21, currently stands as one of the best young stars in the league. Imposing a lengthy frame and a major upside, he is definitely up there as amongst the best in the business when it comes to the defensive end, averaging 1.5 blocks per game that are tied for eighth league-wide
“It would mean a lot. I feel like my defense is pretty good,” Mobley said about potentially bagging the DPOY award. “I contest a lot of shots. I block a lot of shots. Can guard multiple positions. That would definitely mean a lot to earn that award only in my second year.”
