According to an ESPN analytics survey, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ contention chances for a championship are in the top five of the teams selected. According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst, how the Cavs will reach the NBA Finals comes down to a player most would not expect, considering who the squad’s superstar is.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst’s Outlook on Cavaliers Contention Chances
Are Cavaliers True Finals Contenders?
If you ask Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs are title contenders. If you ask the ESPN analytics department, the Cavaliers’ contention chances are at 5.7%, to be exact. The contention list comprised five teams with the highest chances to win the NBA Championship this season, placing Cleveland in fifth place with a 5.7% chance. Above them—the Mavericks (10.3%), 76ers (12.5%), Thunder (12.5%), and, at the top, the Celtics (25.9%).
Where do the analytics members at ESPN pull these numbers from—who’s to say? Considering the other teams out there, it is surprising to see the Cavaliers even make it into the group. The Nuggets, Bucks, Heat, and Knicks were notable mentions left off the list. Top NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes that any chances of Cleveland reaching the finals don’t entirely rest on Mitchell’s shoulders, as many would expect. Windy instead appoints Evan Mobley as the catalyst and explains why while appearing on NBA Today.
“So, Donovan [Mitchell] is going to be their best player, he’s their superstar, but they really need Evan Mobley to be their [Cavaliers] second best player and, you know, Kenny Atkinson’s plan is to play fast and to put the ball in Evan Mobley’s hands because they need him to be more of a factor on the offensive end…”
Referencing his one-on-one interview with Mitchell, Windhorst went on to say that the five-time NBA All-Star is in a really great place with the Cavs. Despite being the team’s superstar, the ball in Mobley’s hands doesn’t appear to be an issue for the former Jazz star. Mitchell is entirely bought into what Cleveland is doing as a franchise and the game plan for the season. If Mobley is a much more focused entity in the Cavs game plan, Mitchell is all for it.
Can Evan Mobley Step Up?
Mobley received a $224 million contract this offseason. It’s not so much a question of whether he can step up. He must step up. In his three NBA seasons, Mobley has already established himself as an excellent player and outstanding big man. Still, he hasn’t yet engrained himself with the league’s top guys at his position. Windhorst alluded to Mobley needing to take “the next step” in his career, and in that step, that 6% championship odds don’t seem so far-fetched.
Mobley has averaged 15.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists for his career thus far. His 54% from the field is his most impressive stat. He averaged 15.7 points last season, although he did miss 32 games. Nevertheless, that 15 PPG needs to increase this season if the Cavaliers want to imprint themselves as title contenders, several of his top Eastern Conference counterparts averaged above 15 points last season. Joel Embiid (34.7), Bam Adebayo (19.3), Kristaps Porzingis(20.1), Karl-Anthony Towns (21.8), and Myles Turner (17.1) are all premier centers in the East, never mind the others in the West.
As Windhorst said, Mobley will indeed need to take another step this season. He also pointed out that talent-wise, the Cavaliers are comparable to the top Eastern teams minus Boston. Windy has a point here. Cleveland’s backcourt comprises Mitchell and Darius Garland, and their front-court is comprised of Mobley and Jarrett Allen, so they have formidable pieces and solid depth.
Mitchell Believes in Cavaliers’ Contention Chances
Per his sit down with Windhorst, Donovan Mitchell is not satisfied with the great career he has experienced thus far. As stated in the interview, he knows rings will be the judge of every great NBA player’s career. Fair or foul, he’s right, Mitchell is in a good spot in Cleveland and feels good about it. He also recognizes his leadership is crucial to the Cavaliers’ season. He, Garland, Mobley, and Allen need to find a way to win under new head coach Kenny Atkinson. If that can be accomplished, Mitchell certainly believes the Cavaliers can contend for a title.
