3 ways Mobley and Allen can fit together long-term on Cavaliers

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Max Strus, Miami Heat and Georges Niang, Philadelphia 76ers. Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images /

Reason No. 1: Cleveland’s improved shooting depth gives Mobley and Allen a shot

Though the Cavaliers had a terrific regular season, their lack of 3-point shooting accuracy severely weighed down their lethality come the postseason.

There was no shortage of well deserved criticism regarding Cleveland’s lackluster wing depth and shooting failures during both the regular season and playoffs. Outside of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Caris LeVert (Kevin Love, as well, before his buyout), the Cavs were no threat from beyond the arc and were often ignored by defenses.

Cleveland president of basketball operations Koby Altman wasted no time addressing this problem with a sign-and-trade for Miami sharpshooting wing Max Strus and offering career deadeye Georges Niang a multi-year contract.

In the 2023 NBA Draft, the Cavaliers took a flyer on 6-foot-9 forward Emoni Bates. After a poor showing in college, Bates’ draft stock plummeted, leaving him available for the Cavs at pick No. 49. In Summer League, Bates started off inefficient but quickly found his groove to become a knockdown shooter and terrific teammate.

He has yet to contribute to a real NBA roster, but the path for Bates to become a rotational player in Cleveland is not as treacherous as it may have seemed on draft night. The possibility of adding Bates into the mix eventually with Strus and Niang only furthers the idea that Mobley and Allen will have a plethora of options that make up for their lack of range.

Assuming the Cavaliers can utilize Strus and Niang to their fullest potential, this opens up the court for Mobley and Allen to operate within the post without a suffocating defense they cannot punish. When the duo had space in the post, they were a dazzling walking highlight reel together.

Evan Mobley has quickly been developing a fantastic court vision, and Jarrett Allen has been the benefactor of many of Mobley’s quick trigger passes.

This summer, Koby Altman suggested that Evan Mobley will be an offensive facilitator for the Cavs more this next season, which will give Cleveland a chance to capitalize off of their improved shooting and existing chemistry within their frontcourt.

Along with the team’s overall improvements, both players have plenty to offer individually.