The Cleveland Cavaliers finally got to see the best of Evan Mobley.
The USC product took a big leap this season, running away with Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Unfortunately, he took a big step back in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Notably, that’s why Ethan Sands of Cleveland.com argues that if he doesn’t show his best version in the remainder of the series, the team could and should consider making changes:
“I think there is a realization that is hitting not only the team, but the organization, that if Evan Mobley does not make a jump onto the playoff stage, as we’ve seen him do, but consistently [there could be changes]. Superstars, the biggest thing is consistency. Doing it night in and night out on the biggest stage on every single night that you have. And Evan hasn’t done that yet,” noted Ethan Sands.
That’s what happens when you underperform.
Fans urged the Cavs to break up their core four after last season’s playoff debacle.
The team doubled down on them, and it seemed to work like a charm during the regular season.
Nevertheless, there’s no point in winning 64 games and getting the No. 1 seed if you’re not going to maintain that level of play when it matters most.
Granted, the Indiana Pacers deserve all the credit in the world for the way they’ve played, and you can’t take anything away from them.
Then again, the Cavs’ best players have also left plenty to be desired.
The Cavs gave Mobley a huge contract because they believed in his potential; he hadn’t shown that level of play yet.
It seemed like he had proved them right this season, and he’s clearly a very good and talented player.
But at the end of the day, you want competitors and players who rise to the occasion when their teams need them most.
That’s what sets apart pretenders from actual contenders.
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