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Cavs Weigh Short-Term Pain to Fast-Track Evan Mobley’s Ascension

Team voices urge Cleveland to prioritize Mobley’s offensive growth early, with injuries offering him primary reps.

Overview

  • On a cleveland.com podcast, columnist Jimmy Watkins argued the Cavaliers should accept some regular-season losses to develop Mobley’s on-ball creation, even if it tempers Donovan Mitchell’s takeover instincts.
  • Head coach Kenny Atkinson and team observers describe a noticeable shift in Mobley’s mindset, citing increased confidence and seriousness from his offseason work.
  • Mobley said his ballhandling has advanced and told reporters he expects to have the ball more in the new offense.
  • At media day, Mobley set goals to repeat as an All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year while keeping another personal objective private.
  • Recent injuries to Darius Garland and Max Strus create an immediate runway for Mobley to assume a larger offensive role to start the season.