Evan Mobley’s Breakout Season Fuels Cavaliers’ NBA Dominance

CLEVELAND — Evan Mobley, the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ rising star, is drawing comparisons to NBA legend Kevin Garnett as he leads his team to the best record in the league. The 23-year-old forward/center is averaging career highs in points (19.0), rebounds (9.0), and 3-point shooting (43%) this season, propelling the Cavaliers to a 34-5 record.

Mobley’s evolution has been a key factor in Cleveland’s success. “He’s long, he blocks shots, he’s effective in the post, and he can hit from 15 or 17 feet,” Garnett said on his podcast in October. “Evan Mobley is the future.” Garnett, a Hall of Famer, also noted that Mobley needs to “get a little meaner” to reach his full potential.

Under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, Mobley has expanded his game, particularly from beyond the arc. After attempting just 105 3-pointers in his first three seasons combined, Mobley has already taken 105 this season, making 43% of them. “I saw this with Al Horford,” Atkinson said, referencing Horford’s transformation into a reliable 3-point shooter. “When you give the guy the green light, you see the work put in behind it.”

Mobley’s improved shooting has addressed a long-standing concern about his fit alongside non-shooting center Jarrett Allen. “Opposing defenses needed to respect Mobley’s 3-point shot,” said former Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff, now with the Detroit Pistons. “Even if they didn’t go in, it was about spacing.”

The Cavaliers’ offense, now the league’s top-rated unit, has benefited from Mobley’s versatility. “He’s pretty dynamic,” Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “He’s really grown stronger, and his shooting is better than ever.” Mobley’s development has also been evident on defense, where he was named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Month for December.

Mobley’s quiet demeanor belies his competitive edge. “They’ve tried to punk him in the past, but now he’s mentally and physically stronger,” said teammate Darius Garland. “He’s no punk.” Mobley’s growth has been a process, much like his childhood fascination with solving Rubik’s Cubes. “I like figuring things out,” Mobley said. “It helps me train my brain to process things faster.”

As the Cavaliers prepare for a highly anticipated rematch with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, Mobley’s continued development will be crucial. “You can say our ceiling’s higher as he becomes more proficient,” Atkinson said. “That’s really going to help translate in the playoffs.”