Cleveland Cavaliers star could become MVP candidate soon

Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers is entering his fifth NBA season and is steadily developing into one of the league's top players. According to Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz, Mobley has the potential to become an MVP contender in the near future.

At just 23 years old, Mobley achieved significant accolades last season, including winning Defensive Player of the Year, earning a spot on the All-NBA second team, and making his first All-Star appearance. He also finished 10th in MVP voting, highlighting his growing impact.

Under new Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, Mobley has shown substantial offensive improvement. After making only 67 three-pointers at a 26.5% clip in his first three seasons, he connected on 85 threes at a 37.0% rate in one year under Atkinson's guidance. Enhancing his offensive output is seen as crucial for his MVP aspirations, especially since he is already recognized as the NBA's best defender.

Mobley averaged a career-high 18.5 points per game last season and has consistently improved his scoring each year, aside from the 2023-24 campaign when he missed 32 games due to injury. With teammates Darius Garland and Max Strus expected to miss the start of the 2025-26 season, Mobley's offensive role is likely to expand further alongside Donovan Mitchell.

Looking ahead, there is a strong possibility that Mobley could become the Cavaliers' primary scoring option, particularly as Mitchell ages. His combination of elite defense and rapidly improving offense positions him as a key player to watch in future MVP discussions.

The upcoming season is critical for both Mobley and the Cavaliers as they aim to build on their 64-win season and make a deeper playoff run. While individual accolades like MVP are noteworthy, Mobley's continued development is essential for Cleveland's success in the Eastern Conference.