NBA DPOY 2025: A Tight Race Between Daniels, Green, and Mobley
The NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award is one of the most prestigious honors in basketball, recognizing the player who excels at thwarting opponents, protecting the rim, and anchoring their team’s defensive strategy. Since its inception in the 1982-83 season, the award has celebrated legends like Dikembe Mutombo, Ben Wallace, and Rudy Gobert, each of whom has won it multiple times. As the 2024-25 NBA season transitions into the postseason, the league has announced three finalists for this year’s DPOY award: Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks, Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors, and Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the announcement expected soon, fans and analysts are buzzing with anticipation over who will claim the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy.
A Storied Legacy
The DPOY award has a rich history, often spotlighting players who redefine defensive excellence. Past winners include rim protectors like Mutombo and Gobert, as well as versatile perimeter defenders like Gary Payton and Marcus Smart, the only point guards to win the award (NBA Defensive Player of the Year – Wikipedia). The award is decided by a panel of 124 sportswriters and broadcasters across the United States and Canada, who vote for first, second, and third-place candidates, with points awarded on a 5-3-1 scale. This year’s race is notable for its diversity, featuring a young guard, a veteran forward, and a rising big man, each bringing unique defensive strengths to the table.
The 2025 Finalists: A Closer Look
The 2024-25 season has been marked by standout defensive performances, and the three finalists have each made compelling cases for the award. Below, we delve into their contributions, supported by key statistics and highlights from the season.
Dyson Daniels: The Steals Maestro
At just 21 years old, Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels has emerged as a defensive sensation in his third NBA season. Daniels led the league with an astonishing 229 steals across 76 games, averaging 3.0 steals per game—a feat unmatched since Gary Payton’s 1995-96 season (Basketball.com.au). He also recorded over 400 deflections, the most in a single season since the NBA began tracking the stat in 2016, and added 55 blocks, showcasing his versatility as a perimeter defender (The Athletic).
Daniels’ ability to disrupt passing lanes and strip the ball from opponents has earned him the nickname “The Great Barrier Thief.” His historic season places him among elite company, as he became the first player since Scottie Pippen 30 years ago to record 200+ steals and 50+ blocks in a single season. Despite the Hawks’ sub-.500 record, Daniels’ individual brilliance has made him a standout candidate, challenging the traditional preference for big men in DPOY voting.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 76 |
| Steals Per Game | 3.0 |
| Blocks Per Game | 0.7 |
| Defensive BPM | 2.6 |
| Defensive Win Shares | 3.7 |
Draymond Green: The Veteran Anchor
Draymond Green, the 35-year-old forward for the Golden State Warriors, is no stranger to the DPOY conversation, having won the award in 2017. This season, Green averaged 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, with a defensive box plus/minus (DBPM) of 2.8, the highest among the finalists (Basketball-Reference.com). His defensive rating of 109 reflects his impact on the Warriors’ defensive efficiency, which improved significantly after the team acquired Jimmy Butler mid-season (Sportsbook Review).
Green’s value lies in his basketball IQ and versatility. He can guard multiple positions, from guards to centers, and his communication skills make him the orchestrator of Golden State’s defense. A standout performance came on March 18, when he limited Giannis Antetokounmpo to 20 points on 5-of-16 shooting, reinforcing his case for the award (Times of India). Green’s leadership and clutch defensive plays have been pivotal, making him a strong contender despite his age.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 68 |
| Steals Per Game | 1.5 |
| Blocks Per Game | 1.0 |
| Defensive BPM | 2.8 |
| Defensive Win Shares | 3.4 |
Evan Mobley: The Rising Star
Evan Mobley, the 23-year-old big man for the Cleveland Cavaliers, has solidified his status as one of the NBA’s premier defenders. In his third season, Mobley averaged 1.6 blocks and 0.9 steals per game, contributing to the Cavaliers’ historic 60-win season and top seed in the Eastern Conference (ESPN). His defensive versatility allows him to protect the rim and switch onto perimeter players, making him a cornerstone of Cleveland’s top-10 defense.
Mobley’s impact was evident in his career-high 41-point, 10-rebound, three-block performance against the Charlotte Hornets on December 7, 2024, showcasing his two-way potential (Wikipedia). His 1.6 blocks per game and 3.8 defensive win shares highlight his role as the anchor of a championship-contending team. Mobley’s youth and team success make him a compelling candidate in a race traditionally dominated by big men.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 71 |
| Steals Per Game | 0.9 |
| Blocks Per Game | 1.6 |
| Defensive BPM | 1.5 |
| Defensive Win Shares | 3.8 |
Comparing the Finalists
The 2025 DPOY race is a clash of styles and narratives:
- Dyson Daniels boasts historic steal numbers (3.0 per game) and deflections, redefining perimeter defense. His individual stats are unmatched, but the Hawks’ subpar record may weigh against him.
- Draymond Green offers veteran leadership, versatility, and the highest DBPM (2.8) among finalists. His impact on the Warriors’ improved defense, especially post-Butler trade, strengthens his case.
- Evan Mobley anchors the defense for the East’s top seed, with 1.6 blocks per game and a team-oriented approach. His role in Cleveland’s historic season aligns with the award’s emphasis on team success.
Historically, big men have dominated the DPOY award, with 30 of the 42 winners playing center or power forward. However, perimeter players like Payton and Smart have broken through, suggesting Daniels has a viable path. The absence of early favorite Victor Wembanyama, sidelined by injury, has opened the door for this trio, making the race unpredictable (NBA.com).
Expert Opinions and Betting Odds
Expert opinions reflect the tightness of the race. An ESPN panel of nine analysts was evenly split, with three votes each for Daniels, Green, and Mobley (ESPN):
- Dyson Daniels: Chris Herring, Bobby Marks, and Dave McMenamin praised his historic steal numbers and disruptive impact.
- Evan Mobley: Tim MacMahon, Jeremy Woo, and Michael C. Wright highlighted his role in Cleveland’s elite defense.
- Draymond Green: Ramona Shelburne, André Snellings, and Marc J. Spears emphasized his leadership and versatility.
Betting odds, however, lean toward Green. As of April 18, 2025, he was the favorite at -160, implying a 61.54% probability, with Mobley close behind (Covers.com). Some sources reported Green at -500 by April 21, though this may reflect a temporary surge (Yahoo Sports). Daniels, despite his stats, is considered a longshot due to the Hawks’ record.
The Significance of the Award
The DPOY award celebrates the often-overlooked art of defense in a league where scoring grabs headlines. It recognizes players who can single-handedly alter games by shutting down opponents or forcing turnovers. This year’s finalists embody different facets of defensive excellence: Daniels’ relentless ball-hawking, Green’s strategic mastery, and Mobley’s rim-protecting presence. The winner will not only earn individual acclaim but also spark debates about what defines the modern NBA defender.
Looking Ahead
As the NBA postseason unfolds, the announcement of the 2025 DPOY is imminent, though an exact date remains unconfirmed (NBA.com). The decision will hinge on whether voters prioritize individual brilliance, team success, or a blend of both. Will Daniels’ historic season break the mold for perimeter defenders? Can Green defy age to claim a second DPOY? Or will Mobley’s youth and team dominance secure the trophy?
For now, fans can only speculate and await the NBA’s verdict. Regardless of the outcome, the 2025 DPOY race underscores the evolving nature of defense in basketball, where guards, forwards, and big men alike can leave an indelible mark.
