NBA Notes: Cavs, Evan Mobley, Kings, Keegan Murray, Jazz

Cavaliers

For all the noise around the Cavaliers this summer, Evan Mobley has somehow become one of the quieter parts of the conversation.

John Hobbs of Cavs On SI argues that probably shouldn’t be the case.

Mobley averaged 18.2 points and 9.0 rebounds last season, then remained productive through Cleveland’s run to the Eastern Conference finals. His defense is already among the best in the league, and the bigger question now is how much more he can become offensively.

That likely starts with the perimeter. Mobley shot just 29.7 percent from three last season, so even modest improvement there could create more space for Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and the rest of Cleveland’s offense.

The Cavs have spent the summer chasing help on the wing. That makes sense. But one of their biggest potential upgrades may simply be Mobley taking another step.

Kings

Sacramento’s most important player next season might not be Domantas Sabonis or Zach LaVine.

Logan Struck of Kings On SI makes the case for Keegan Murray.

The argument is pretty straightforward. Murray is already one of Sacramento’s most versatile defenders, and the Kings desperately need him on that end after finishing near the bottom of the league defensively last season.

The bigger variable is offense. If Murray can rediscover the shooting touch he showed earlier in his career and become a more consistent scorer, Sacramento suddenly has a much more valuable two-way piece alongside rookie Darius Acuff Jr.

The Kings clearly believe in him. They gave Murray a five-year, $140 million extension last fall. Now comes the part where he has to justify it.

Jazz

After four straight losing seasons, somebody in Utah is finally ready to say it — enough with the losing.

Jared Koch of Jazz On SI argues that a winning record should be the goal this season, and frankly, that doesn’t sound unreasonable.

Utah has gone 107-221 over the past four years, including fewer than 25 wins in each of the last two seasons. But this roster looks considerably different.

The Jazz now have Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. at the top of the frontcourt, along with a growing collection of recent first-round picks and young players who should be entering more productive stages of their development.

Utah also gave up control of its 2027 first-round pick in the deal for Jackson, which is another indication that the organization isn’t exactly planning to spend another season diving toward the bottom.

Does that mean 45 wins are coming? Probably not. But at some point, a rebuild has to become a basketball team. This looks like the year Utah should at least try.