Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Evan Mobley

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Evan Mobley made an impact.

Evan Mobley is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. He played college basketball for the USC Trojans before being drafted third overall by the Cavaliers in the 2021 NBA draft. By the 2024-2025 season, Mobley had earned his first All-Star selection and was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, marking significant achievements early in his professional career.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1993: Cavaliers 50-Win Season Since 1993

In 2023, Evan Mobley helped the Cavaliers earn their first 50-win season since 1993 without LeBron James on the roster.

March 2004: LeBron James Rookie Comparison

On December 8, Evan Mobley became the first Cleveland rookie since LeBron James in March 2004 to record five blocks in an NBA game.

2018: Father Hired as USC Assistant Coach

In 2018, Eric Mobley, Evan's father, was hired as assistant basketball coach for USC.

August 5, 2019: College Commitment to USC

On August 5, 2019, Evan Mobley committed to play college basketball for USC, choosing them over offers from UCLA, Washington, and other NCAA Division I programs.

November 25, 2020: College Debut for USC

On November 25, 2020, Evan Mobley made his college debut for USC, scoring 21 points and securing nine rebounds in a 95–87 overtime victory against California Baptist.

March 11, 2021: Career-High Points in Pac-12 Tournament

On March 11, 2021, at the Pac-12 tournament quarterfinals, Evan Mobley scored a career-high 26 points, along with nine rebounds and five blocks in a 91–85 double overtime victory over Utah.

April 16, 2021: Declared for the 2021 NBA Draft

On April 16, 2021, Evan Mobley declared for the 2021 NBA draft, foregoing his remaining college eligibility.

August 3, 2021: Signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers

On August 3, 2021, Evan Mobley officially signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

August 8, 2021: Summer League Debut

On August 8, 2021, Evan Mobley made his summer league debut, posting 12 points, five rebounds and three blocks in 28 minutes during a game against the Houston Rockets.

2022: Brother Drafted by Cavaliers

In 2022, Isaiah Mobley, Evan's older brother, was selected by the Cavaliers in the second round of the NBA draft, rejoining his brother.

January 21, 2023: Career-High 38 Points

On January 21, 2023, Evan Mobley scored a then career-high 38 points in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

November 28, 2023: Season-High in Blocks and Career-High in Rebounds

On November 28, 2023, Evan Mobley recorded 17 points, 19 rebounds and 7 blocks in a win over the Atlanta Hawks during the team's final NBA Cup matchup, setting a season high in blocks and a career high in rebounds.

May 10, 2024: Playoff Career-High 21 Points

On May 10, 2024, in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Evan Mobley scored a then playoff career-high 21 points in a victory over the Boston Celtics.

December 7, 2024: Career-High 41 Points

On December 7, 2024, Evan Mobley scored a career-high 41 points in a win over the Charlotte Hornets.

2024: NBA Defensive Player of the Year

In April 2024, Evan Mobley was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the 2024–25 season, becoming the first player in franchise history to win the award.