Training camp has revealed a bolder side of Evan Mobley, and the Cleveland Cavaliers believe that mindset can carry them deep into the season.
Mobley, fresh off his first Defensive Player of the Year award and inaugural All-Star nod, has taken on a larger voice during workouts. Guard Sam Merrill said a disputed call during an open gym triggered an outburst from the normally reserved forward. “You can just tell his confidence is through the roof,” Merrill told reporters.
The coaching staff is widening Mobley’s offensive responsibilities as well, encouraging him to push the ball, attack mid-range spots and facilitate. “Reps, just a lot of reps, and the coaches believing in me—that lets me experiment, get better, and keep unlocking new things,” Mobley explained.
Last season, the 23-year-old averaged 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.6 blocks while anchoring one of the NBA’s stingiest defenses. Analysts Carmelo Anthony and Tracy McGrady recently included him in early MVP discussions.
Cleveland opens the regular season Wednesday against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, a nationally televised matchup on ESPN.
Garland: “We Could Have Won It All”
Point guard Darius Garland told SiriusXM NBA Radio that injuries derailed what he viewed as a championship-caliber squad last spring. “I say that pretty confidently,” Garland said, citing the team’s depth that featured Mobley, center Jarrett Allen, guard Donovan Mitchell and forward Max Strus.
Cleveland’s postseason run ended in the second round against Indiana after a 64-win regular season. Garland played through health issues, Mobley managed an ankle sprain, forward Dre Hunter dislocated a thumb and Mitchell battled a calf strain.
Betting Markets Favor Cleveland
Under head coach Kenny Atkinson, the Cavaliers are again listed among the league’s top contenders. At FanDuel, only Oklahoma City holds shorter championship odds, while Caesars places Cleveland at +230 to claim the Eastern Conference.
The club is a heavy choice to win the Central Division, with lines ranging from –370 to –475, and sportsbooks have set the over/under on wins at 56.5. Individually, Mitchell stands at 100-to-1 for MVP, and Mobley owns the fourth-best odds to repeat as Defensive Player of the Year at +1400.
Source: Hoops Wire
