Evan Mobley is ready for takeoff

Always soft-spoken but mightily confident, Evan Mobley shared big goals for his third season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“I’m really looking to take off this year,” Mobley said.

Throughout Media Day, Mobley discussed his approach to the offseason and how he plans on making a leap next year. From building a gym inside of his home to implementing a nutritional plan — it was a summer of growth for the young star.

“I’ve gained about seven pounds of muscle throughout this whole process and I’m still working,” he said

Filling out his frame was a major point of emphasis for Mobley. Honing his craft on offense was the other, with a focus on improving as a jump shooter.

“Working on shot making, ball handling, just a lot of offense,” Mobley said. “I’m gonna be shooting a lot more.”

Last season, Mobley shot just 21.6% from behind the three-point line. While he is already a great finisher in the paint, converting 81.7% of those attempts, it is his limited range and ball-handling ability that has held Mobley back from taking a leap offensively. A significant improvement in either department would be a game changer.

“I feel like I’ve definitely gotten a lot better at (shooting) and hopefully this year you’ll see the difference,” Mobley said.

Mobley became a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in just his second NBA season, showcasing an impeccable feel for the game on this end of the floor. Now, Mobley suggests that feeling is translating to the other side of the ball as he gains more experience.

“I feel like right now, a lot more things have been clicking faster,” Mobley said. “I feel a lot more comfortable and confident going into this year”

Winning the Defensive Player of the Year Award is one of Mobley’s goals for the upcoming season, as well as earning a spot on the All-Star team. At just 22 years of age, Mobley is still seen as the centerpiece of Cleveland’s long-term plans — and if he makes good on any of these promises, it won’t be hard to see why.