The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently the No. 1 team in the NBA with an impressive 53-10 record. Their success has been remarkable, as they’ve already surpassed last season’s 48-34 finish.
With the Cavaliers closing in on their first 60-win season since 2010, there are plenty of reasons for their success. They have one of the best backcourt duos in the league, if not the best, in Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.
The Cavaliers have also received strong contributions from role players such as Max Strus, Ty Jerome, and Dean Wade. Starting center Jarrett Allen has been tremendous as well. But some believe the key to the Cavaliers’ success is a different player in their frontcourt.
Kendrick Perkins: Evan Mobley Is the Most Important Cavs Player
ESPN analyst and former NBA player Kendrick Perkins is known for his strong opinions, and he didn’t hold back when discussing the other piece of Cleveland’s dominant frontcourt, Evan Mobley.
"The most important player on this Cavs roster is Evan Mobley."@KendrickPerkins believes how far the Cavaliers go in the playoffs will be "on the back" of Evan Mobley ✍️ pic.twitter.com/g02j9R2uOm
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA)
“The most important player on this Cavs roster is Evan Mobley. Donovan Mitchell is the best player, he’s the star. I get that. DeAndre Hunter, he’s had an impact, him and Ty Jerome, but the success is going to be on the back of Evan Mobley, how far this team can go.”
“When you think about how versatile he is, one could make the argument that behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, he just might be the second-best power forward in the game… and he’s up for winning Defensive Player of the Year.”
Mobley is currently averaging 18.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 56.7% from the field and 36.2% from 3-point range, which led to his first All-Star appearance this season.
Mobley is having a standout season and has been crucial to the Cavaliers’ success so far, having played in 56 of the team’s 63 games this year. All signs point to Mobley making the All-Defensive team, which would cap off an impactful regular season.
How Far Can the Cavaliers Go?
If Perkins is right and the Cavaliers’ success depends on Mobley, it puts pressure on him to deliver in the postseason.
The Cavaliers have high expectations this season, but so far, they’ve shown they’re ready. They’ve competed well against top contenders in the East, including a win over the defending champion Boston Celtics this season.
The Cavaliers have also dominated the New York Knicks and had strong showings against the Milwaukee Bucks, proving they are playoff-ready. They’ve had success against Western Conference teams, too.
While they split their two-game series with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Cavaliers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets multiple times this season.
As the playoffs approach, the Cavaliers and Evan Mobley face great challenges. Will they be able to win it all this year? Time will tell.
