Evan Mobley has been a foundational piece of the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ defense this season. The 23-year-old has shown significant growth on the defensive side of the floor, specifically in his ability to guard every position.

The Cleveland Cavaliers might have surprised NBA teams with how they’ve played this season, but they have what it takes to make a possible Finals run despite the Boston Celtics’ seemingly invincible rotation.

In a turn of events, Mobley hopped on The Hoop Collective podcast with NBA analyst Brian Windhorst to lobby for the award. He discussed all of his outstanding qualities like being a paint deterrent for smaller guards and anchoring a top five defense the entire season.