The Cleveland Cavaliers had an interesting 2024-25 campaign that saw them dominate the regular season as they finished first with a 64-18 record. However, that domination did not extend to the playoffs amidst injury troubles as they bowed out of the Eastern Conference semifinals at the hands of the Indiana Pacers.
This time around, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley seem better prepared to go a few steps further.
“Understanding that hey, this happened and we f—ed up. Now it’s like, ‘OK, how do we not f— up the next time?” Mitchell recently explained to ESPN.
Mitchell explained how he has been mentoring Mobley, and has already had conversations with the now 24-year-old about stepping up further when it came to playmaking.
“Me and [Mobley] had a conversation, it was like, ‘Hey, last year he took a step. That’s his first year really having the ball like that. Now it’s like, ‘Hey, I’m not open … it’s you. That offense creation is coming from you. That’s what we expect out of you.’ But with that comes great responsibility, too,” he said.
Last season, Evan Mobley averaged career highs in points, field goal attempts, 3-pointers, and free throws in addition to winning Defensive Player of the Year. This season, he has in seven games averaged 4.4 assists per game , a career-high, alongside 19.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, steals and 1.7 blocks per game.
While Mitchell remains the team’s primary scorer and playmaker, his value when it comes to cutting inside is amplified due to Mobley’s influence. That, in addition to the defensive value he brings makes him an integral part of the Cavaliers’ roster.
“I just got to keep taking that on. Taking the challenges,” Mobley said.
Considering the kind of influence Mitchell can have, Mobley undoubtedly has the ideal mentor.
“I’m in his ear nonstop. … ‘Hey, you’re a threat, or there’s a pass here, or stop passing the f—ing ball, there’s no way player X should be able to guard you.’ He has it himself, not saying it’s all me. It’s reinforcing that,” Mitchell revealed.
