3 reasons why the Cleveland Cavaliers will improve offensively this season
By Ismail Sy
![Cleveland Cavaliers players (from left) Sam Merrill, Georges Niang, Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Ty Jerome and Max Strus pose for a photo. (Photo by Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports) Cleveland Cavaliers players (from left) Sam Merrill, Georges Niang, Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Ty Jerome and Max Strus pose for a photo. (Photo by Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/35ef9fd9920191e1bdcd72589d69a9ac32011c81bd95ffe1fcdd2405fdd4b03c.jpg)
No. 2: The evolution of Evan Mobley
We can talk about the Cavaliers shooting being the key to unlocking this offense, and that may be true. However, the real key lies within uber-talented big man Evan Mobley. When the Cavs drafted him, Mobley had very lofty expectations. He has drawn comparisons to Chris Bosh, and Anthony Davis.
He has been everything the Cavs have hoped for: efficient on offense, and elite on defense, as he was the youngest finalist ever for Defensive Player of the Year last season. However, Mobley has left a lot to be desired when it comes to offense.
Yes, last season he averaged 16 points per game on 55 percent shooting, but he left a lot to be desired at times. He showed a lot of promise at the turn of the calendar year, as he averaged 18 PPG from January to March. Unfortunately, in the postseason Mobley completely disappeared offensively.
He averaged a paltry nine PPG, and greatly struggled with the physicality in the paint. A focal point of his offseason was gaining weight, as he gained seven pounds of muscle, upping his weight to 222 lbs. That should help him offensively in the paint.
Another thing is that the Cavs seem to be keen on giving Mobley more touches, as in the preseason he was getting a lot of elbow touches and allowed to make decisions. Mobley also seems to be developing a nice chemistry with Max Strus, as Strus reportedly asked the Cavs to give Mobley film on Strus’ former teammate Bam Adebayo, so Mobley could see how he operated offensively.
Mobley has the tools to be a successful offensive player. Now, he has to put it together, and the new offensive system should allow him to do that.