Draymond Green, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) candidate, recently addressed his third-place finish in the 2024-25 DPOY race.
Green, who has been one of the NBA’s most dominant defensive forces for years, took the news in stride during a conversation with retired Warriors star Baron Davis on the latest edition of the Draymond Green Show podcast.
“Ain’t much you can do about it,” Green told Davis, reflecting on the tight race and his third-place finish behind Evan Mobley and Dyson Daniels, as reported by Joaquin Ruiz of NBC Sports Bay Area. “This ain’t my first rodeo. This ain’t my first time being in the race, feeling like I should win and not win.”
Green, who accumulated 99 steals, 70 blocks, and an impressive 108.6 defensive rating, was not overly concerned by the outcome. Instead, he expressed understanding and empathy for those experiencing their first DPOY race. “I know, for sure, Dyson Daniels was crushed,” Green shared. “I know that feeling [of] your first time being in the running and you don’t come up with it.”
Despite missing out on the award, Green was quick to offer praise for Mobley, who clinched the honor with a stellar defensive season. Mobley, the 2024-25 DPOY winner, finished the voting with 35 first-place votes, 30 second-place votes, and 20 third-place selections, edging out Daniels for second.
Green, who has long been a fan of Mobley, congratulated him on the recognition. “I’ve been a fan of his since USC,” Green said. “To see him continue to grow and continue to become the player everybody thought that he’d become… I’m happy as hell to see him get that.”
Mobley’s defensive impact this season was undeniable. The Cleveland Cavaliers big man ranked sixth in the league with 1.59 blocks per game and was a consistent force on the glass, averaging 7.0 defensive rebounds per game. His presence on the floor helped the Cavaliers post a top-tier defensive rating of 108.6. Mobley also excelled at altering shots, holding opponents to just 44.5% shooting when guarded by him—well below the league average.
