For the past couple of years, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been hoping and waiting for big man Evan Mobley to take the next step and truly tap into his vast potential.
With the start of the 2024-25 NBA regular season nearing, he says he has felt a difference on the court thanks to the weight and strength he has added, and he cited a play in Tuesday’s preseason game against the Chicago Bulls as an example.
Asked Mobley if he could feel a difference on the court with his added weight and strength.
“[I] definitely have more control and a lot more power going into shots. On one of the drives I felt really strong, and I think I got an and-one.”
This is the play he mentioned. pic.twitter.com/IbJxsy3ht0
— Danny Cunningham (@RealDCunningham) October 9, 2024
Mobley was the No. 3 pick in the 2021 draft by the Cavs, and at the time, he was thought to have the ability to become a legitimate star. He has even been compared to Anthony Davis and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett.
Many have loved his potential because he can not only score inside and protect the rim but also handle the ball and create his own shot off the dribble.
However, he hasn’t shown a ton of growth since his rookie year, when he averaged 15.0 points and 8.3 rebounds a game. Although his shooting efficiency has significantly improved, he only got to 15.7 points a game last season.
On Tuesday, he scored 19 points on 9-of-14 shooting and added six rebounds and three blocked shots in 19 minutes in Cleveland’s 116-112 loss to the Bulls.
The team has been slowly improving over the last few years ever since Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell arrived, and last season, it won its first playoff series since LeBron James left in 2018.
Now the challenge is for the Cavs to get into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference, a layer of the atmosphere that is occupied by the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers and reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics.
The Celtics made quick work of the Cavaliers in the second round of the playoffs in five games, but if Mobley turns into a legitimate All-Star who averages 20 points and 10 rebounds a game, it would go a long way in helping the Cavs take the next step.
