As the NBA Play-In Tournament approaches, the conversation surrounding the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award has intensified, with several standout players in contention for the prestigious accolade. Among them, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green and Cleveland Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley have emerged as frontrunners, each with a compelling case for the honor. However, recent comments from Cavaliers All-Star point guard Darius Garland have added a new layer of intrigue to the ongoing debate.
On April 15, 2025, during an appearance on FanDuel TV's "Run It Back," Garland expressed his belief that Mobley deserves the DPOY award, emphasizing the young forward's commitment to defense. "Evan really deserves it," Garland stated. "He's really starting to come into his own, and defense is like his mindset," highlighting Mobley's relentless efforts to protect the rim and neutralize the opposing team's best players.
Garland's advocacy for Mobley comes amid a backdrop of Green's impressive defensive resume this season. The Warriors forward has averaged one block, 1.5 steals, and five defensive rebounds per game, showcasing his all-around defensive prowess. However, Garland pointed out that Green's off-court presence, particularly through his podcast, gives him a unique advantage in the DPOY race.
"Draymond really has a cheat code with his podcast," Garland remarked during the podcast appearance. "So he can really go in there every day and talk, which is super cool and it’s really working." Green's podcast, "The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis," has allowed him to consistently promote his candidacy, keeping his name in the spotlight and influencing public perception.
While Green's media presence has undoubtedly bolstered his chances, Garland believes Mobley's contributions should not be overlooked. The Cavaliers rank eighth in defensive rating, and Mobley has been a critical part of their success on that end of the floor. Garland pointed to Mobley's impressive statistics, noting that he has recorded 1.6 blocks, 0.9 steals, and seven defensive rebounds per game this season. "Even the numbers, like the statistics, are insane. He’s almost averaging about two blocks a game," Garland explained, underscoring Mobley's impact.
Garland's comments reflect a growing sentiment among fans and analysts that Mobley has been criminally underrated in the DPOY conversation. The young forward's ability to defend multiple positions and protect the paint has drawn comparisons to Green, who has been lauded as one of the best defenders of his generation. However, Green's experience and vocal media presence have positioned him as the current favorite for the award.
As the DPOY race heats up, Green has not shied away from making his case. He has publicly stated that he “1,000%” has a case for the award, citing his significant impact on the defensive end. "I look around the league and don’t see many players impacting the game on the defensive end the way I do," Green asserted. His versatility has allowed him to play center since the All-Star break, where he has excelled at shutting down elite scorers like Zion Williamson and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Despite the competition, Green's statistics support his candidacy. He ranked first in the league in defensive LEBRON, an all-encompassing metric that evaluates a player's overall defensive impact. Additionally, he is fourth in the league in defensive box plus-minus and fifth in paint defense, further solidifying his position as a top contender for the DPOY award.
With the Warriors finishing the season with the seventh-rated defense in the league and ranking first after the All-Star break, Green's contributions have been crucial to Golden State's success. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has praised Green's defensive abilities, stating, "Oh, I think Draymond is the Defensive Player of the Year. I can’t imagine him not winning at this point." Kerr's endorsement adds weight to Green's candidacy, but the competition remains fierce.
As the DPOY award approaches, the narratives surrounding both Green and Mobley continue to evolve. Garland's comments have sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the importance of off-court presence in award campaigns. The modern landscape of sports awards has shifted, and Garland's acknowledgment of Green's podcast as a "cheat code" highlights how media visibility can impact perceptions and voting.
Mobley, for his part, has been quietly making his case through his on-court performances. His ability to defend at a high level while contributing to the Cavaliers' success cannot be understated. As Garland noted, "We really have to advocate for him a lot since he's so quiet," suggesting that Mobley's reserved nature may hinder his visibility in the DPOY race.
As the NBA Play-In Tournament looms, the stakes are high for both Green and Mobley. While Green's media presence may give him an edge, Mobley's impressive defensive metrics and contributions to the Cavaliers' success cannot be overlooked. The DPOY award is set to be one of the most closely contested honors this season, and with both players making compelling cases, fans will be eagerly watching as the season draws to a close.
In the end, the DPOY race embodies the evolving nature of sports awards, where on-court performance and off-court narratives intertwine. As the final games approach, the debate surrounding Green and Mobley will only intensify, leaving fans to wonder who will ultimately take home the coveted trophy.
