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

Reason No. 2: Personal development from Mobley and Allen will make the Cavaliers unstoppable

On top of embracing their new teammates, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen have their own lessons to take from the playoffs.

The rumors and speculation on the duo probably does not happen if they could keep up with the physicality the Knicks had. It goes beyond the physical; it was a brutal mental defeat by both players, too.

While Mobley’s defense was still stellar in the series, he could not position himself correctly for rebounds quite enough and was sheepish with the ball in his hands. Allen started the series with energy and reckless abandon, but by tipoff in Game 3, he disappeared.

They need to be tougher, physically and mentally. The upside is that there is a clear path to improvement. Dedication to the weight room takes mental fortitude that will then translate into a better physique.

The spotlight was on Mobley to improve in this realm, considering the team’s expectations for Mobley to become the next great Cavalier alongside Garland. It seems Mobley knows this and is taking it serious. Mobley reportedly installed a home gym shortly after the playoff loss, suggesting he will enter next season with a more dominant on-court presence.

Additionally, this sort of buy-in from Mobley is leadership through action. His behavior will hopefully compel Allen to do the same. There has been little word on Allen’s offseason approach, but with training camp soon underway, the outcome of their effort will be seen.

Finally, a key reason to believe in the duo is that they are answering the number one question every contender struggles to fulfill.