Evan Mobley, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ standout big man and the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, is entering the 2025-26 NBA season with high expectations. As the team’s presumed long-term leader, there is pressure on the 24-year-old All-Star to elevate his offensive game alongside his already elite defensive skills.

Former NBA guard Jeff Teague, speaking on the Club 520 podcast, emphasized the need for Mobley to become more physically assertive on offense. Comparing Mobley’s build to that of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, Teague suggested that while Mobley has the frame to dominate, he has yet to fully harness that potential.

Evan Mobley can probably become a better shooter,

Teague observed.

The only step he could take is to be like Giannis. He can come back physically imposing, run people over, and throw dunks down. But his aggressiveness in the way he plays doesn’t mirror Giannis. He doesn’t move as fluidly as Giannis.

Teague continued by highlighting Mobley’s respect and defensive prowess but expressed that to help the Cavaliers take the next step, Mobley’s offensive assertiveness must increase.

It’s not disrespect. Evan Mobley is one of the coldest players in the NBA. An All-Star. Nothing but respect. But for them (the Cavaliers) to take their next leap, he has to start killing more offensively.

Mobley entered the league with star potential, and his defensive impact confirms that he can be a foundational piece on a contender. However, growing his offensive footprint is crucial for both his personal development and the team’s success.

Donovan Mitchell Encourages Mobley to Demand More Offensive Responsibility

Donovan Mitchell, a leading figure on the Cavaliers, recently addressed Mobley’s role in the team’s offense during an interview with Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report. Mitchell urged Mobley to increase his shot attempts and assert himself as a focal point in Cleveland’s attack.

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’s call for Mobley to aggressively seek the ball reflects a strategic push to elevate the young star’s offensive confidence and influence. While Mobley’s first All-Star appearance last season marked a breakthrough, unlocking a more aggressive offensive gear remains critical for Cleveland’s ambitions.

Cavaliers Coach Atkinson Predicts Mobley’s Path to MVP Contention

Cavaliers head coach J.B. Atkinson expressed strong belief in Mobley’s future, sharing his high expectations during a broadcast of Cleveland’s Summer League contest against the Indiana Pacers. Atkinson suggested the big man is on track to join the MVP conversation within a 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 said.

In the 2024-25 regular season, Mobley appeared in 71 games, averaging 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per contest. He shot efficiently, with 55.7% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc. Mobley’s combination of size, length, and skill positions him as one of the NBA’s elite talents. Still, at just 24, the Cavaliers and their supporters understand that Mobley’s prime is still developing as he builds the confidence and refined skills required to dominate in today’s league.

Implications of Offensive Growth for Mobley and Cleveland

For Mobley and the Cavaliers, the stakes of improving offensively are considerable. His defensive dominance is already a cornerstone for the team, but fulfilling the promise of becoming a complete star depends on expanding his scoring aggressiveness and physicality. Teague’s comparison to Giannis underscores the kind of transformation Mobley could aim for, even if that level of fluidity and aggressiveness remains a work in progress.

Mitchell’s vocal encouragement also reflects the team dynamics pushing Mobley to embrace a leadership role on offense, critical for Cleveland’s competitiveness in the Eastern Conference. Coach Atkinson’s optimism about MVP potential indicates the organization’s patience combined with confidence in Mobley’s trajectory.

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Mobley to see if he can consistently translate his defensive excellence into a more dominant offensive presence, potentially cementing himself as one of the NBA’s premier two-way stars and leading the Cavaliers toward greater success.