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Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 keys to reaching NBA Playoffs

By Tony Pesta

INDEPENDENCE, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 27: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 27, 2021 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
INDEPENDENCE, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 27: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 27, 2021 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) /

Evan Mobley is the ultimate x-factor for Cleveland Cavaliers

Finally, the Cavaliers’ hopes of reaching the playoffs really come down to Evan Mobley. While many are predicting a breakout season for Garland or an All-Star caliber run from Sexton — it is the No. 3 overall pick who will decide the franchise’s fate moving forward.

Mobley is an impressive seven-footer with agility and the coordination of a guard. Where he lacks in strength he makes up for in physical gifts such as nimble feet and soft touch around the rim. Mobley has the ability to revamp the Cavaliers’ efforts on both ends of the floor and can raise their ceiling to new heights.

No one should expect the rookie to hit the ground running. He has an odd landscape to navigate next to another towering center in Allen as well as finding his niche alongside the Sexland backcourt. What’s more, the path to success for centers seems to be longer than for guards in the modern NBA.

Nevertheless, Mobley offers another ariel threat for Garland and Sexton to target with lob passes. His knack for creating plays out of the post and knocking down shots outside of the paint will keep Mobley involved on offense.

Where he can truly make an impact, however, is defense. Mobley is heralded as the best shot-blocking center to enter the league since Anthony Davis. He boasted an impressive ratio of 2.9 blocks to 1.8 fouls in college and can make generational plays with his incredible awareness.

Mobley’s talent for blocking shots without fouling will be tested in the faster-paced NBA but there is no reason to assume he can not serve as an elite rim protector at some point. Similarly, Mobley has all the makings of an offensive superstar due to his touch around the hoop and outside of the arch.

How quickly Mobley can put it all together is yet to be seen but with a looming talent like this — as well as all of the other gems on the roster — Cleveland should be eyeing their first non-LeBron playoff berth since the 1990s.

Next. NBA Power Rankings: Preseason. dark

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