Evan Mobley is entering the 2025-26 NBA season fresh off winning the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year award. He’s viewed as the long-term leading star of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Therefore, Cleveland is waiting on the 24-year-old All-Star to take the next leap in his overall development. In a recent episode of the “Club 520” podcast, former NBA guard Jeff Teague suggested that Mobley may need to become more physically dominant. He likened Mobley’s frame to that of Giannis Antetokounmpo, but stopped short of saying Mobley could reach that level.
“Evan Mobley can probably become a better shooter,” Teague said. ” The only step he could take is to be like Giannis. He can come back physically imposing, run people over, and throw dunks down. But his aggressiveness in the way he plays doesn’t mirror Giannis. He doesn’t move as fluidly as Giannis.”
Teague continued.
“It’s not disrespect. Evan Mobley is one of the coldest players in the NBA. An All-Star. Nothing but respect. But for them (the Cavaliers) to take their next leap, he has to start killing more offensively.”
Mobley entered the NBA with the upside of a generational talent. He’s already proving that he’s capable of being a primary star on a contending team, especially in terms of defensive playmaking and rim protection. However, for him to reach that next level, his offensive output has to start mirroring his defensive skill set.
Donovan Mitchell Has a Message to Cavaliers’ Mobley
During a recent interview with Bleacher Reportâs Taylor Rooks, Donovan Mitchell explained the importance of Mobley in Clevelandâs rotation. Furthermore, he called on Mobley to become more aggressive on the floor.
âMy push to Ev is that I need 20 shots. But he has to go and say that, like âGive me the ballâ, like being able to demand,â Mitchell said. âFor us to be great, he has to continue to take a stepâ¦So I tell him like âNah, we need moreâ. Demand it. If I donât pass you the ball, get on my a**. If DG donât give you the ball, get on his a**. If Ty donât give it to you, get on his a***. And be okay with that..Heâs ready for it, heâs excited for it.â
Mobley made his first All-Star appearance last season. He’s slowly becoming the elite player the Cavaliers and Mitchell need him to be. Still, there must be another gear he can find in terms of offensive aggressiveness, and it’s clear that Mitchell is doing his best to help bring it out of him.
Cavaliers’ Atkinson Believes Mobley Can Win MVP
When being interviewed during the broadcast of the Cavaliersâ Summer League game against the Indiana Pacers, Atkinson shared his lofty expectations for Mobley in the coming years.
âI donât want to put pressure on him, but in the next 2-3 years, he should be in the MVP conversation,â Atkinson said.
Mobley played in 71 regular-season games this past season, averaging 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists. He shot 55.7% from the field and 37% from 3-point range. Furthermore, has the size, length and unique skill set to be among the top-10 players in the world. But, at 24, the Cavaliers and their fanbase must remain patient. He’s still years away from his prime and still building the confidence and skills it takes to become a dominant big man in the modern NBA.
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