The narrative surrounding Evan Mobley has been the same since he was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft: He’s an incredible defender with a lot of raw offensive potential, but could he unlock that side of his game?

It took a little longer than the Cleveland Cavaliers forward would have liked to use his offensive game. However, as 2024 comes to a close, it’s clear that Mobley is making this move right before our eyes.

Mobley is currently averaging 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 57 percent from the floor.

Scoring goals has always been one of Mobley’s strengths, and that has remained the case this season. The biggest area of ​​improvement, however, was his three-point shot.

Since Mobley’s breakout game against the Charlotte Hornets on Dec. 7, he is hitting 57 percent of his threes and averaging 3.2 attempts per game.

That’s enough of a sample size for defenses to really start game-planning for Mobley’s outside shot.

There’s also the other important part of Mobley’s jump that isn’t reflected in the box scores: his overall confidence.

By conviction, Mobley looked like a different player this season. He doesn’t doubt his shots, drives to the rim when a lane is open and uses his power in the paint.

Mobley’s poster dunks against Philadelphia 76ers duo Kenyon Martin Jr. and Andre Drummond and then against Donovan Clingan in Cleveland’s last two games are perfect examples of that confidence.

Kenny Atkinson even pointed out after the Cavaliers’ win over the 76ers: “He’s got so much more in him; It will be interesting to see where this goes, where he continues to develop, because he still has more room to grow.”

Is Mobley a perfect player? No. Is there still development and consistency that needs to prove that he is a top 10 player in the NBA? Absolutely.

However, this jump is happening right now and is one of the main reasons the Cavaliers are arguably the best team in the league.