CLEVELAND, Ohio — The accolades keep coming.
Cavs forward Evan Mobley — the reigning Defensive Player of the Year — was, of course, named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team on Thursday afternoon. It’s Mobley’s second time earning that honor. He becomes the second Cavalier ever to make it multiple times, joining franchise legend LeBron James.
Only three other players in NBA history have been First Team selections before the age of 24 — Tim Duncan, Serge Ibaka and Jaren Jackson Jr.
“Evan’s elevated his level to where he’s an All-Star, All-NBA, Defensive Player of the Year,” Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman said earlier this week. “He has to take another jump. I say we go as Evan Mobley goes. I think everyone believes that, which is exciting ‘cause he works, he’s an incredible person, he has a great foundation with his family, he has a great belief from everyone here.
“If you don’t believe a 23-year-old Evan Mobley is going to continue to make these jumps and leaps, then you’re not studying it. You’re not studying the evolution of great players.”
Drafted third overall by the Cavs in 2021, Mobley made his initial All-Defensive Team in 2022-23 — a year in which he finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Mobley likely would have received consideration last year — until a six-week knee injury kept him from meeting the games-played requirement.
Viewed as one of the league’s most impactful and versatile defenders, Mobley was the only player to compile at least 1,000 points, 600 rebounds, 60 steals and 100 blocks during the 2024-25 season. He ranked fifth in the NBA in blocks per game (1.6) and contested shots (10.4 average) while helping anchor a Cleveland defense that ranked eighth in efficiency and allowed the third-lowest field goal percentage (45.4). Mobley already ranks eighth in Cavaliers history in total blocks (419).
On Friday evening, the 23-year-old franchise pillar is expected to earn his first All-NBA selection. Each of those three teams will be revealed at 7 p.m. on TNT.
