NBA Notes: Cavs, Evan Mobley, Suns, Oso Ighodaro, Nuggets

The Cavaliers have plenty of established offense with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. How much more they can get from Evan Mobley could determine how far they go.

That’s the case made by Mack Perry of Cavs On SI, who views Mobley’s development as Cleveland’s defining storyline this season. The addition of Peyton Watson should help, but a more dependable offensive role for Mobley would give the Cavs something they can’t easily find elsewhere.

There are several ways for that to happen. Mobley could become a more consistent outside shooter, create more offense from the high post, or develop a scoring move he can trust when opponents take away Cleveland’s first option.

His shooting is one place to start. Perry notes that Mobley made 31.7% of his catch-and-shoot three-point attempts last season, leaving room for improvement as a floor spacer alongside the Cavs’ guards.

But the opportunity extends beyond making open shots. If Mobley can consistently punish smaller defenders and find teammates when help arrives, Cleveland can ask more of him when Mitchell and Harden face extra attention.

The playoffs will provide the most meaningful test. The Cavs need Mobley’s offense to hold up against opponents who spend an entire series trying to make him uncomfortable, while still getting the defensive versatility that makes him so valuable.

That won’t be settled in the first week. It will, however, be worth watching how often Cleveland puts the ball in his hands and asks him to make something happen.

More from around the NBA:

• Suns: General manager Brian Gregory pointed to Oso Ighodaro’s versatility and work habits after Phoenix signed the center to a three-year, $29 million extension beginning in 2028-29. “His combination of physical tools and basketball IQ allows our team to be more versatile on both ends of the floor,” Gregory said in a statement, via Donnie Druin of Suns On SI. “Oso has made significant strides since we drafted him, and we know his commitment will see him continue to develop.” Ighodaro played all 82 games last season, averaging 6.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 65.3%. He also started all four playoff games against the Thunder. With Mark Williams recovering from shoulder surgery, Ighodaro should have a substantial role alongside Khaman Maluach to begin the season.
• Nuggets: Denver’s ability to survive without Nikola Jokic on the floor is again a central question. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne highlighted the bench in her season preview, noting that the Nuggets posted a plus-10.8 net rating with Jokic last season and a minus-6.5 mark without him. Logan Struck of Nuggets On SI argues that the rebuilt group deserves a chance before being dismissed, with DeMar DeRozan providing an established scorer and Marvin Bagley III, Alpha Diallo, Cam Whitmore and others offering new options. The early complication is Julian Strawther’s knee injury, which takes a needed shooter out of the rotation. DeRozan gives Denver someone who can create his own offense; finding enough spacing around him will be part of coach David Adelman’s job.