Although Donovan Mitchell is often viewed as the cornerstone of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the All-Star guard recently emphasized the rising importance of Evan Mobley within the team’s lineup. In an interview with Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks, Mitchell urged Mobley to become more assertive in seeking scoring opportunities to elevate both his game and the team’s success.
My push to Ev is that I need 20 shots. But he has to go and say that, like ‘Give me the ball’, like being able to demand,
Mitchell said.
For us to be great, he has to continue to take a step…So I tell him like ‘Nah, we need more’. Demand it. If I don’t pass you the ball, get on my a**. If DG don’t give you the ball, get on his a**. If Ty don’t give it to you, get on his a***. And be okay with that..He’s ready for it, he’s excited for it.
Mitchell clearly recognizes Mobley’s potential to rank among the NBA’s elite, possibly rising to a top-10 or even top-5 player. By encouraging Mobley to embrace a more aggressive role, Mitchell aims to help his teammate develop into a dominant force, which could significantly enhance Cleveland’s championship prospects.
Cavaliers Head Coach Sees MVP Potential in Mobley’s Future
Head Coach J.B. Atkinson echoed Mitchell’s confidence in Mobley during a broadcast following the Cavaliers’ Summer League game against the Indiana Pacers. Atkinson outlined his expectations for Mobley’s progression over the next few years.
I don’t want to put pressure on him, but in the next 2-3 years, he should be in the MVP conversation,
Atkinson stated.
Last season, Mobley appeared in 71 regular-season games, averaging 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. He demonstrated efficient shooting, completing 55.7% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc. Despite these strong statistics, it is widely acknowledged that Mobley is only beginning to unleash his full potential.
Both Atkinson and Mitchell are pushing Mobley toward what could be a Hall of Fame trajectory, underscoring the significant role he is expected to play in the Cavaliers’ future success.
Mitchell Reflects on Playoff Disappointment and Gears Up for Next Season
The Cavaliers’ season ended in frustration after being eliminated in the second round of the NBA Playoffs by the Indiana Pacers. Speaking during the Cavaliers’ Summer League broadcast, Donovan Mitchell shared how the team’s playoff loss is fueling his preparation for the upcoming season.
When you’re in hindsight, it’s always like, ‘okay, we’ve taken a step. You need this to take it to the next level,
Mitchell said.
But, to be honest with you, and I think we all feel this way, it was a letdown for us, man. We let ourselves down, we let the city down. And, we let the organization down. We all felt it… Everything lined up for us to do that, and we didn’t take care of business. So, that’s the failure on our part. So, now the biggest thing is, take it, use it as fuel.
As the team’s leader, Mitchell’s renewed determination comes at a critical moment. The combination of his leadership and Mobley’s emerging talent provides the Cavaliers with a strong foundation to contend seriously for a championship in the 2025-26 season.
Outlook for the Cavaliers in an Open Eastern Conference
With the Eastern Conference remaining highly competitive and unpredictable, the Cavaliers have a prime opportunity to maximize their potential. The continued growth of Evan Mobley as a possible MVP contender, coupled with Donovan Mitchell’s leadership, presents a compelling case for Cleveland as a championship hopeful.
As next season approaches, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Mobley steps into a more commanding role on offense and if the Cavaliers can translate their talent into sustained postseason success.