ESPN insider Brian Windhorst believes a major change is coming for Cleveland Cavaliers star Evan Mobley, and the rest of the NBA should take notice.
“Evan Mobley has shown us he is an All-NBA player and NBA Defensive Player of the Year,” Windhorst said. “He is still very young. There is no reason to keep a limit on his ability. What they’re asking him to do more of at the beginning of the year, especially with Darius Garland out, is to be more of a playmaker on offense. The ball is going to be in his hands more, and they did it because they believe he can handle it.”
That confidence reflects how the Cavs are preparing to unleash the 24-year-old forward in ways that extend far beyond defense. Mobley, who averaged 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists last season, is expected to take on a central offensive role for the Cavs under head coach Kenny Atkinson.
Atkinson said Mobley’s growth has been “tremendous” and noted that he has been one of the team’s best shooters during camp.
“You can sense another jump coming from him,” Atkinson said. “He’s playing with more force and confidence. His strength and shooting are both on another level.”
The Cavs will go as far as Evan Mobley can carry them
Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Mobley spent the offseason adding size and refining his ball handling. With Garland recovering from toe surgery, Cleveland’s offense will flow through him more often.
“You’re definitely going to see the ball in my hands a lot more,” Mobley said. “With guys out, we need people to step up, and I have that capability.”
President of basketball operations Koby Altman echoed that sentiment, calling Mobley “locked in” and predicting another leap forward. “He can be a top-five player in this league,” Altman said. “We go as he goes.”
Windhorst’s remarks only reinforce what many around the Cavs already believe: Mobley is ready to transform from a defensive anchor into an all-around superstar. As Cleveland opens its season against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, fans may soon witness the next great chapter in Mobley’s rise.
