In the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year race, Rudy Gobert, Evan Mobley, and Dyson Daniels represent different strengths: Gobert is a proven rim protector, Mobley is a versatile defender, and Daniels is a perimeter specialist, with Gobert's experience and Mobley's potential leaning towards the top contenders, while Daniels' impact on a middling defense may hurt his chances.
Here's a breakdown of each player:
Rudy Gobert:
Strengths: Gobert is a dominant rim protector and a proven defensive anchor, having won the award multiple times.
Weaknesses: While his rim protection is elite, his ability to defend outside the paint is a weakness.
Team Context: Gobert plays for a team that is a top-five defense, which is a significant advantage for his DPOY candidacy.
Dyson Daniels:
Strengths: Daniels is a perimeter defender who is known for his ability to guard multiple positions and his disruptive play.
Weaknesses: Daniels is a perimeter defender, and rim protection is considered the more valuable skill in the NBA.
Team Context: Daniels plays for a team that is a middle-of-the-road defense, which is a disadvantage for his DPOY candidacy
Evan Mobley:
Strengths: Mobley is a versatile defender who can play multiple positions and is known for his athleticism and defensive instincts.
Weaknesses: Mobley is still relatively young and has room for growth, and his team is not yet a top-five defense.
Team Context: Mobley plays for a team that is a fringe playoff contender, which is a disadvantage for his DPOY candidacy
In Conclusion:
While all three players are excellent defenders, Gobert's experience and Mobley's potential make them the top contenders for the award, with Daniels' impact on a middling defense potentially hurting his chances
Listened to Kevin O’Connor podcast today out of interest - both he and Tom Haberstroh picked Amen Thompson for DPOY - a bit of discussion on Evan Mobley and Draymond (as a no) but that’s wild.
I can’t comprehend what I’m hearing from so many people who watch a lot of ball. It just has to be bias. I dunno. That or just going with the “didn’t translate to winning” argument?
Bill Simmons said - it’s hard to pick Dyson because Atlanta’s such a bad defensive team……..well that’s lucky it’s not Defensive Team of the Year Award then isn’t it!!! Fuck sake - he was fine when it was Marcus Smart that year wasn’t he
Bill - Dort and Mobley to decide who he’s going to vote for
Ryen Russillo - leaning Dort
Sam - Amen Thompson, Lu Dort, Dyson Daniels
Bryce - Mobley, Amen, Dort - said he’s a Dyson fan but he undervalues steals on purpose because he doesn’t see them as good as blocks
Welp - Dyson leads the league in stocks - steals plus blocks - doesn’t he ?
Also leads in deflections per game Soooooooo….