Cavs Notes: Evan Mobley, core four, early schedule

The Cavaliers did not trade Evan Mobley for an older star this summer. Chase Brownawell of Cavs On SI⁠ views that as Cleveland betting on a Year 6 breakthrough.

To be clear, Mobley’s name appeared in speculation. There was no credible indication that the Cavs were actively attempting to move him.

The larger point still works. Mobley averaged 18.2 points last season after previously becoming an All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year. Cleveland knows he can anchor an elite defense. The remaining question is whether he can become a more forceful and consistent offensive option.

James Harden should help. Harden has spent much of his career creating easy opportunities for big men through pick-and-rolls, pocket passes and lobs. If Mobley improves as a three-point shooter, the combination becomes even harder to defend.

The Anthony Davis comparisons that followed Mobley into the NBA established an unrealistic standard. Cleveland doesn’t need Mobley to average 28 points or become Davis.

It needs him to punish smaller defenders, attack open space and stop occasionally disappearing from the offense.

That would qualify as enough of a breakthrough.

Core four

Cleveland’s greatest strength may be the variety within its new core four.

Davion Moore of Cavs On SI⁠ pointed to Donovan Mitchell, Harden, Mobley and Jarrett Allen as the foundation of another potential championship run.

The Cavs ranked fourth in scoring last season at 119.5 points per game. Mitchell averaged 27.9 points, while Harden contributed 20.5 points and high-level playmaking across 26 appearances after arriving from the Clippers.

Mobley and Allen supplied a combined 33.6 points while giving Cleveland size and protection around the basket.

Peyton Watson now provides another defensive wing with offensive upside.

The Cavs should score. That isn’t the concern.

Their postseason will be determined by how well the offense adjusts when opponents remove the first option, crowd Mitchell and force someone else to create late in the clock.

Harden was acquired partly to provide that answer. Mobley taking another step would give Cleveland one more.

Regular-season firepower establishes a contender. Playoff counters determine whether it survives.

Early test

The Cavs  won’t have to wait long to find out how their new pieces fit.

Zach Weiss of Cavs On SI⁠ noted that Cleveland opens its season in Philadelphia against LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and the remodeled 76ers.

Two days later, the Cavs return home to face the Nets. The Timberwolves and Wizards then visit Rocket Arena.

Those four opponents present four very different tests.

Philadelphia offers star power and an emotionally charged opener. Brooklyn should provide Cleveland with an opportunity to impose itself against a younger roster. Minnesota added LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga, while Washington now features Trae Young, Anthony Davis and AJ Dybantsa.

Four games won’t tell us whether the Cavaliers can win the East.

They should tell us who starts, how deep the rotation runs and whether Harden and Mobley are ready to make their partnership central to the offense.

That’s plenty to learn during the first week.