Cavs making Eastern Conference Finals run depends on these 2 variables

#1: Evan Mobley making a second-year jump

The biggest component rests on Evan Mobley and his potential second-year jump. 

It’s safe to say that very few expected Mobley to have the rookie season that he did. At just 21 years old, Mobley has established himself as one of the best defenders in the league with an evolving offensive game.

The defense isn’t just “good” or “great” either, there’s real DPOY-potential that Mobley is certain to tap into.

The biggest thing for Mobley is how much of a jump he can make on the offensive end. He can play with his back to the basket, has real poise and is comfortable in the mid-range area, is seemingly improving on his three-point shot this offseason, and has great vision for a 6-foot-11 player.

I’ve been preaching for the Cavaliers to add shot creators whether it be through the draft or free agency, but it seems they are banking on Mobley’s progression to cover for offensive areas in which they are lacking.

Mobley projects to be the team’s second scoring option and a tertiary playmaker, all while providing world-class defense. I’m confident in his ability to comfortably provide all that and expect him to not only lead the way for the team in the playoffs but, become just a handful of second-year players to make an All-Star jump.

It won’t be all Mobley obviously as Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and others will be key components in the team’s success as well.

Looking more into what it takes to be a successful playoff team, you need those tough shot-makers for when things slow down and get tough. Teams make adjustments and the ones who are one-dimensional are often the ones who fail.

Luckily for the team, they have a guard who can take, and make, those tough shots, add another dimension to the offense, and pair well with Darius Garland. That leads to the second component I was referring to above.