Evan Mobley Elevating Cavaliers Offense

Evan Mobley's three-point shooting can create more offensive opportunities for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Mar 1, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) dribbles in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports / Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers have not been playing their best basketball lately. What’s been the cause of this could be several things. But don’t let Cleveland’s record over the last few weeks distract you from one of the biggest positives to come from this season.

Evan Mobley is finally turning into the offensive threat that fans have been waiting to see since he was drafted third overall in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Cleveland’s starting power forward is currently averaging 16 points a game while shooting a career-high 59% from the floor. His 9.7 rebounds a night are also a career-best. 

All of that is great, but we’ve seen Mobley demonstrate an ability to score in the paint in the past. His newfound ability to knock down the three is really what took his game to the next level, which will also elevate this Cavaliers offense. 

Mobley isn’t all of a sudden a taller version of Steph Curry who is hitting threes every other possession. But it’s clear that this part of his game is something opposing defenses need to prepare for when planning to defend the Cavs.

Since returning from his knee injury at the end of January, Mobley is attempting about two threes a game and is connected on 43 percent of them. What the stats don’t show is the confidence with which Mobley is shooting them. 

The more threes that Mobley takes, the better this Cavs offense is going to be. This will help with Cleveland with their floor spacing and create more opportunities for Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen.

Mar 1, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) dribbles in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports / Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The best example of this was the corner three he knocked down against the Philadelphia 76ers with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter which clinched a victory for the Wine and Gold.

The Cavs are still searching for a rhythm heading into the Playoffs. However, whatever J.B. Bickerstaff does with his rotations and game plan, he needs to ensure that Mobley is at the center of their game plan with the way he's been playing.