The Cleveland Cavaliers went 1-1 last week, looking strong against the Detroit Pistons and floundering for the first half against the Boston Celtics. Not the most consistent week from the team; however, Evan Mobley was the most consistent presence in both those games. Seeing him reassimilate into the team after an extended absence was a pleasant surprise, as historically his ramp-ups have been on the slower end.

Average player grade last week: A-

Stats last week: 21 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.5 bpg, 40% 3P%

Standout performance: 24 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks in loss to the Celtics on 3/8/2026.

Mobley’s performance against the Celtics really secured his award this week. Playing only two games plays a major part in this decision. He had back-to-back games where his aggression looked to be trending upwards.

One of the biggest issues Mobley and the Cavaliers have struggled with is putting and keeping their proverbial foot on the pedal. Mobley has a reputation for getting the first few touches to start a game, then fading for sometimes whole quarters at a time.

Based on his games against the Pistons and Celtics, that version of Mobley appears to have been put to rest. He is playing a lot freer both on and off the ball. Understandably, the mental hurdle of not wanting to reaggravate these soft tissue injuries can linger in the back of one’s mind. However, it is both a hindrance to the Cavaliers’ offense and Mobley’s continued ascension when he is skittish and apprehensive. Mobley’s greatest trait is his basketball IQ and ability to see the floor better than most bigs in the league.

When Mobley is able to fly from end to end and show his mobility at his size as he did against Boston, he is frankly unfair for most to defend. When Mobley can fly off the roll, or even as we saw against Detroit, he is at his best.

With the inclusion of James Harden in the offense, someone who sets up bigs arguably better than anyone else in the league, it will be fascinating if this version of Mobley we saw last week is more of who we will see going forward.

Mobley has touched on what Harden brings not only to the team but also to his own game. Hopefully, the playstyle that Harden brings means that this version of Mobley is more permanent. As time goes on in the dwindling regular season, the minutes shared between this pairing are critical. Not only to their chemistry as a duo, but to the postseason success of the Cavaliers.

If there is a common thread in every off-season’s “solution” for the Cavaliers, it is for Evan Mobley to take another step and mature as a play finisher. His development as a player is always dictating the Cavaliers’ true ceiling. If this week was any indication for Mobley, then it appears we are looking to head in the right direction.

Evan Mobley, your award is in the mail.