Cavs' Evan Mobley continues to grow as standout player

Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell says teammate Evan Mobley is "just scratching the surface." That's actually a scary thought, especially after a game like he had Sunday when he finished with 25 points, a game-high 13 rebounds, a career-high-tying eight assists and three blocks in a 129-123 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. While playing in San Francisco for All-Star weekend, Mobley was asked an innocent question, "Who will be the best player in the league in five years?" "Maybe me or Victor (Wembanyama)," he answered. That kind of greatness has been predicted for the injured San Antonio Spurs center for years. However, few have envisioned that lofty status for Mobley. Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said he loved reading those comments. "His next step is believing that," he said. "All the tools are there. Donovan and Darius (Garland) have it. Some guys have it in fifth grade. We're trying to foster that environment here (for him). "I'm glad he backed it up with words. I hope he can get there." One of the main points of Atkinson's interview with Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman for the coaching vacancy was bringing out the inner dominance in Mobley. He had a detailed plan on how that would transpire, and it seems to be working. The Cavs want the 7-foot, 215-pounder to be more vocal. Quiet by nature, Mobley is starting to talk more on and off the court. There's no question his game has taken a major step, as evidenced by him being named a reserve on his first Eastern Conference All-Star team by league coaches. On the season, Mobley is averaging a career-high 18.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 blocks while shooting .569 from the field, .365 from the 3-point line and a career-high .759 from the foul line. He's played in 51 games, one more than last season. In his last five games, the 23-year-old has zoomed to 20.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks while shooting .589. Mobley has recorded a double-double in 13 of his last 20 games and now has 26 on the season. He's also scored 20 or more points 26 times. His ascension, coupled with the play of Mitchell, Garland and center Jarrett Allen, has placed the Cavs in rarified air. They have the best record in the NBA at 47-10 heading into their game at Orlando tonight. With a win, Cleveland will match last year's victory total with 25 games remaining. "I have more and more confidence," he said. "The coaching staff and my teammates have instilled that in me. I'm trusting myself and my ability on things that I worked on this summer." He said it's important to believe in himself. "If you don't, how are you going to get there?" Mobley said. "I believe in myself. I have the size, the skill set and the stature. Why not believe in that?" After outplaying Memphis star Jaren Jackson Jr. on Sunday, Mobley will have another test tonight against Magic star Paolo Banchero. Banchero has missed 10 weeks of the season with a torn right abdominal muscle and has been limited to 25 games but is still averaging 22.9 points and 4.9 rebounds. Garland missed Sunday's victory over Memphis with a left hip contusion. Atkinson said after the game that it's not a long-term injury but he wouldn't guarantee that Garland would play against the Magic. Contact Bob Finnan at rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.