The Cleveland Cavaliers trusted Evan Mobley before he even trusted himself.
He had shown glimpses of a strong offensive game and the potential to be one of the best defensive players in the game, but he hadn’t played like a max-caliber guy just yet.
That’s why it’s been so refreshing to see him unlock new layers to his game this season.
Under Kenny Atkinson’s tutelage, Mobley has been a more willing and more efficient shooter.
He’s been more aggressive as a scorer, and he took yet another leap on the defensive end of the floor.
That’s why, when asked about the next step in his career, coach Atkinson claimed that it was all about confidence:
“I’ve said this to Evan, ‘Your next step is believing that,'” Atkinson said, referring to Mobley’s comment that he could be the best player in the league in five years. “‘Do you believe? You have all the tools, you’re making progress with your consistency.'”
Mobley said that he or Victor Wembanyama could be the best player on Earth five years from now.
In five years, he will be entering his age-28 season and right at the beginning of his physical prime, so he can definitely fulfill that promise.
We don’t see players with a two-way skill set very often anymore, much less those who can not only be a factor but actually dominate.
Mobley was compared to Kevin Garnett and Chris Bosh before he entered the league, and he’s finally living up to both of those comparisons.
He was deemed the team’s X-Factor, and it’s not a coincidence to see them being the best team in the NBA now that he’s taken a big step forward.
He’s just scratching the surface of his potential, and barring injuries, he should be an elite player for years to come.
NEXT: Cavs Could Be Without 2 Key Players For Grizzlies Game
