(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
When people talk about the Cleveland Cavaliers, most of them address Donovan Mitchell’s chemistry with Darius Garland and how their explosive backcourt could lead them come playoff time.
That’s fair, as they’re objectively the two best players on the team right now.
However, none of them had a higher upside than Evan Mobley when they first entered the league, and that’s why Brian Windhorst of ESPN believes he’s the key behind the Cavs’ success in the future.
Windhorst said that there have been countless examples of players taking that leap forward in their third year in the league, and that the Cavs organization only traded for Mitchell because they think and hope that’s going to be the case with Mobley.
“Here comes that year for Evan Mobley, and it’s not just wanting to see it, the Cavs NEED to see it,” – @WindhorstESPN on the team needing to see Mobley take a leap.
Do you think Mobley will be an All-Star next season? pic.twitter.com/ksEiciWnev
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 5, 2023
The analyst went as far as to say that his failure to take a leap in his third year would be “a letdown across the board,” as he’s the key that could take this team from being a No. 4 seed to a No. 2 seed.
Notably, Mobley was one of the highest-ranked big-man prospects in years.
He drew comparisons to Kevin Garnett and Anthony Davis for his defensive prowess, dominant rebounding, and shot-blocking ability, and he also showcased a sweet offensive touch and an ever-improving and expanding shooting range.
Mobley improved in his second season, but he needs to be way more aggressive and assertive on both ends of the floor, and the exterior shot continues to be a work in progress, but there’s no reason to think he can’t fulfill this prediction next season.
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