Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers just had his most explosive season yet, resulting in winning his first Defensive Player of the Year award.
But things could get even better for Mobley in the new season.
According to NBA great Tracy McGrady, Mobley might be in the running for one of the league’s top prizes.
“I think you could put him in the MVP discussion this year,” McGrady said of Mobley.
“I think you could put him in the MVP discussion this year.” 👀
– Tracy McGrady on Evan Mobley
(Via @NBAonNBC ) pic.twitter.com/0yMFK30rWU
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 9, 2025
Mobley put up a stunning 18.5 points and 9.3 rebounds during the 2024-25 season.
He improved his game in just about every aspect and was playing in the ways that everyone had been wanting since he entered the league.
The Cavaliers need Mobley to keep playing at this level if they want any shot of being the best team in the East again.
If he is able to somehow improve and show off more skills, McGrady might be right, and he could be in contention for Most Valuable Player.
The race for that prize will be intense, and competition will be fierce.
Mobley will have to make a statement against players such as Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Even if he doesn’t win MVP, Mobley might still build upon last season and keep getting better.
The Cavaliers sure hope so, because they don’t want another instance of them having a great regular season and then falling apart in the playoffs.
They need everyone, beyond just Mobley, to step up and play consistent, healthy, and smart basketball.
NEXT: Key Cavs Player Is Drawing Interest From Multiple NBA Teams