It’s one thing to identify Evan Mobley’s development as the The Cleveland Cavaliers“X-factor. Finding a way to prioritize and maximize Mobley’s role in building this roster is another issue.
Conflicting deadlines
Mobley hasn’t had the roster built to his needs that you’d expect from a prospect whose potential is directly tied to his franchise’s long-term success. He’s the third option offensively, sharing the floor with two heavily used guards and another big who doesn’t shoot.
There was no room to prioritize Mobley’s development. Not with the Mitchell trade accelerating things. But in some ways, Mobley’s early success is responsible for that reality. He was drafted by a team that won just 22 games before doubling that total to 44 wins in his rookie season. Mobley’s arrival (alongside Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen) gave the Cavaliers enough confidence to swoop in with a trade for Donovan Mitchell.
Cavs management had faith in Mobley to follow an accelerated schedule. While he’s not completely behind, Mobley hasn’t quite hit the ground running either. That’s left the franchise with an undefined ceiling that hinges on his development.
Mobley’s Sparkling Potential
Mobley showed glimpses of his full potential. He emerged as a world-class defender almost immediately and cemented his reputation behind a dominant performance in 2024 NBA PlayoffsHis heroic, game-saving block on Franz Wagner was a shining example of Mobley’s defensive prowess.
Still, fans have been waiting to see Mobley put the complete package together. We know he’s a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, but can he score at an adequate level? For the first time in his career, the answer was a resounding “yes” against the Boston Celtics.
Mobley showed off a wide range of talents during the second round of the playoffs. He dominated as a pick-and-roll threat, but also served as an offensive pivot from the elbow. Mobley finished the series averaging 21.4 points and 3.2 assists in a brief but fiery performance.
The breakthrough was enough to reaffirm that the dream isn’t dead. Mobley is capable of being a force on both ends of the floor. But it’s also a reason to feel frustrated by how the Cavs have failed to prioritize his involvement on offense.
Mobley has been left behind. It’s time for that to change. Increasing his usage won’t guarantee a leap forward, but the Cavs can’t afford to keep him on the shelf. But ultimately, Mobley needs to start pushing the issue for any of this to matter.
Mobley must free himself
How can the Cavs get the most out of Mobley?
The most popular solution is to trade Allen to free up space in the frontcourt. That would force Mobley into an uncomfortable role as a starting center. It would result in growing pains. But there’s no reason to delay his destiny if playing in the five is Mobley’s final form. After all, that’s where he found his success against Boston.
Alternatively, the Mobley/Allen duo could coexist if the offense adapts. Generating more possessions in a fast-paced, fluid system would give Mobley more chances to succeed. The hiring of Kenny Atkinson is Cleveland’s best attempt to do that.
But most of all, the onus is on Mobley to make the leap. The path forward will seem natural if Mobley has the ability to become a great player. Roster construction and team systems are obstacles that hold back role players, not superstars.
Improving his three-point shot or improving his control are ways for Mobley to fit into any offensive system. Realizing Mobley’s potential is probably easier than we think. If he’s ever going to be “this guy, so he will soon find a way to do it.
