3 goals for the Cleveland Cavaliers 2023 offseason

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Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Cavs Offseason Goal No. 2: Develop Evan Mobley and hand him the keys

In 2021, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Evan Mobley with the third overall pick after a fantastic freshman year at USC. His dynamic defense and hustling offense served as the pinnacle to the Cavaliers rebuild. Outside of his own talent, he gave a young Garland a running mate for thrilling lobs and creative playmaking.

Since entering the NBA, Mobley finished second in the 2021-2022 Rookie of the Year voting, third in 2022-2023 Defensive Player of the Year voting, and achieved a place on the 2022-2023 NBA All-Defensive First Team.

With such a decorated pedigree in his first two seasons, Mobley’s potential as the top guy on this Cleveland roster cannot be understated. In Garland’s third season as a Cavalier, Cleveland put the ball in his hands and let him find himself. That season Garland became an All-Star and solidified his future in the Association.

The Cavaliers should do the same with Evan Mobley this next upcoming season. With the 6-foot-11 unicorn at the center of the offense, Garland and Mitchell can find open looks for themselves through off-ball movement and screens. Both guards have shown impressive speed, and Garland’s 41% three-point percentage this past season showcases his dynamic prowess on the offensive end of the court.

Let Evan Mobley lead the Cavaliers this next season. Garland and Mitchell will still get their shots up, and nothing will stop Garland from throwing dazzling assists to his teammates even if he is not always the primary handler.

With a few more shooters on the court surrounding Evan Mobley, placing the ball in his hands leaves him with an open post to dominate his opponent and trustworthy teammates to threaten defenses each and every game.