Even though the Cleveland Cavaliers made the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since the LeBron James days, this season still felt like a failure. The Cavaliers got swept by the New York Knicks and showed a lack of effort in the series. Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen did not give hope that they could win a championship together. Unless LeBron James comes through the door again, the Cavs may never win a championship with this group.
It was a wide-open year for the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, the Cavaliers did not rise to the occasion. Donovan Mitchell was not a playoff riser like usual this postseason, and he showed big faults in his game, which a number 1 option should not have. James Harden did not put an end to his playoff woes. Both guys needed to be great for the Cavaliers to go all the way, and they weren’t.
Evan Mobley was not a liability, and in fact, he was pretty solid at the beginning of the playoffs. Yet he was not the defensive player of the year winner; he was last season this postseason. Nor was he the 2nd option this team needs him to be. The Cavaliers need much more from him, scoring-wise, and to be more consistent this postseason.
Evan Mobley and the rest of this core 4 not rising to the occasion has big ramifications for the Cavaliers this offseason. This team was put together to win a championship, and a couple of years later, their window looks closed up. Would not be surprised if none of the core 4 are on the team next season. Changes will come at the very least.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Evan Mobley and Cavaliers get swept in East finals, raising questions
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
