Evan Mobley set the bar high for himself after an All-NBA and Defensive Player of the Year season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. With accolades piling up and MVP chatter buzzing around him, expectations have soared. Now, with Darius Garland in Los Angeles, Mobley finds himself under an even brighter spotlight, especially when the Cavs stumble on national TV.
In a recent game, Mobley showcased his talent with a catch-and-drive dunk and a jump hook, but missed a couple of crucial three-pointers in the final minutes. While he effectively contained Chet Holmgren, the rebounding battle was lopsided, with Holmgren grabbing 15 boards to Mobley’s two.
Despite the defensive scheme often pulling him out of position, two rebounds are simply not enough for someone of his stature. Mobley needs to be more assertive on the glass, tracking and securing rebounds with authority.
However, it's not all on Mobley for the Thunder's extra possessions. There were a few moments where he could have been more effective on the defensive boards, but it wasn’t the main issue.
Switching gears to offense, the Cavs initially experimented with Mobley as a point-forward, allowing him to handle the ball more. This approach focused on dribble drives and self-creation, but as the season progressed, they reverted to strategies that played to his strengths closer to the basket. This adjustment paid off, with Mobley recording four consecutive double-doubles in December before a calf injury sidelined him briefly.
Upon returning, Mobley had a standout game against the Sacramento Kings, with 29 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 blocks, showcasing his all-around game. Yet, more calf soreness saw him miss additional time until after the All-Star break.
The team dynamics have shifted with James Harden now leading the offense, altering Mobley’s role. As the third scoring option, he needs to adjust to playing alongside Harden and Jarrett Allen, who is a natural pick-and-roll partner for Harden. Mobley should find opportunities in the dunker spot, capitalizing on alley-oops and mismatches against smaller defenders.
Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson believes Mobley's mid-range game remains a weapon, despite his current struggles from beyond the arc, possibly due to lingering calf issues. Utilizing his popping ability and exploiting mismatches in a double-big lineup can create scoring opportunities.
All 13 of Oklahoma City's Thunder offensive rebounds from Sunday.
— RealCavsFans.com (@realcavsfans) February 23, 2026
Where do you think the blame lies? pic.twitter.com/eXb19FU7GD
Mobley’s defensive prowess often goes unnoticed, but his ability to shut down driving lanes, contest shots, and switch seamlessly is unmatched. While his offensive numbers may not be at their peak, this doesn’t signal a plateau in his development. At just 24, Mobley is navigating a season of adjustments, from dealing with injuries to adapting to a new playmaker in Harden.
The Cavaliers have accelerated their timeline for success, especially after a strong post-trade-deadline performance. With Garland gone and veterans bolstering the roster, the pressure is on for a deep playoff run. Mobley must quickly adapt to his evolving role and meet the high expectations set for him.
In the world of professional sports, the demands can be relentless. Mobley’s journey is a testament to the challenges and growth that come with being a rising star in the NBA.