Building faith in an Evan Mobley leap

Mobley is the key to Cleveland’s long-term title hopes.

It’s one thing to identify Evan Mobley’s development as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ x-factor. Finding a way to prioritize and maximize Mobley’s role within the construct of this roster is another issue.

Conflicting timelines

Mobley has not had the roster built to his needs in the way you’d expect from a prospect whose ceiling is directly intertwined with the long-term success of his franchise. He’s the third option offensively, sharing the floor with two high-usage guards and another non-shooting big.

There hasn’t been room to prioritize Mobley’s development. Not with the trade for Mitchell speeding things up. But in some ways, Mobley’s early success is responsible for this 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) made the Cavaliers confident enough to swing on a trade for Donovan Mitchell.

The Cavs’ front office had faith that Mobley could keep up with an accelerated timeline. While he hasn’t totally fallen behind, Mobley hasn’t grabbed the baton yet, either. This has left the franchise with an undefined ceiling that is contingent upon his development.

Mobley’s glimmering potential

Mobley has showcased a glimpse of his full potential. He appeared as a world-class defender almost immediately and cemented his reputation behind a dominant showing in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. His heroic game-saving block on Franz Wagner was a shining example of Mobley’s defensive prowess.

Still, fans have waited to see Mobley put together the total package. 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 an emphatic “yes!” against the Boston Celtics.

Mobley showcased an array of moves in round two of the playoffs. He dominated as a pick-and-roll threat but also served as an offensive hub from the elbow. Mobley finished the series by averaging 21.4 points and 3.2 assists in a brief but fiery performance.

This breakout was enough to reaffirm that the dream isn’t dead. Mobley is capable of being a force on both ends of the floor. But this is also a reason to feel frustrated with how the Cavs have failed to prioritize his involvement on offense.

Mobley has been an afterthought. It’s time for that to change. Increasing his usage won’t guarantee a leap but the Cavs can’t afford to keep him on the shelves. But at the end of the day, Mobley has to start pressing the issue for any of this to matter.

Mobley has to unleash himself

How do the Cavs get the most out of Mobley?

Trading Allen to clear space in the frontcourt is the most popular solution. This would force Mobley into an uncomfortable role as the starting center. Growing pains would follow. But there’s no sense in delaying his destiny if playing the five is Mobley’s final form. After all, this is the position in which he found his success against Boston.

Alternatively, the Mobley/Allen pairing can co-exist if the offense adapts. Generating more possessions in a fast-paced, free-flowing system would give Mobley more bites at the pie. Hiring Kenny Atkinson is Cleveland’s best attempt at accomplishing this.

But above all else — making the leap is Mobley’s responsibility. The path forward will appear natural if Mobley has the capacity to be a great player. Roster construction and team systems are obstacles that hold back role players, not superstars.

Improving as a three-point shooter or tightening his handle are avenues for Mobley to insert himself into any offensive system. Realizing Mobley’s potential is likely more straightforward than we think. If he’s ever going to become “that guy,” then he will find a way to do it soon enough.