The Cleveland Cavaliers are entering the 2025–26 season with championship expectations and big decisions on the horizon. Fresh off a 64–18 record, they now face the challenge of keeping their core intact while evaluating potential roster tweaks that could impact their title chase.

Under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland has doubled down on a defensive identity, with Evan Mobley serving as the anchor. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has been central to the Cavs’ success, pairing elite rim protection with added consistency from three.

But this summer, Mobley has grabbed attention for a very different reason. A recent viral image shows him looking dramatically bulked up, with a frame that now resembles a bodybuilder. The transformation suggests a focus on adding strength to better battle physical bigs, finish through contact, and expand his interior dominance.

This change comes at a pivotal time for Cleveland. With yet another playoff flameout and front office discussions about whether to tweak the roster for more scoring punch, Mobley’s expanded game could make him the team’s most valuable long-term piece. His new build might be the deciding factor in whether the Cavs can afford to move on from certain veterans.

Cleveland has already begun making depth-focused moves, most notably bringing in guard Lonzo Ball and returning forward Larry Nance Jr. The pair of shooters provides much-needed floor spacing and could help maximize Evan Mobley’s impact in the post by pulling opposing defenders away from the paint. If this pairing works, the Cavs could feature one of the league’s most versatile frontcourts without overhauling the roster.

Mobley’s increased physicality could also help solve one of the Cavs’ long-standing playoff issues: the ability to control the paint against elite postseason competition. If his body transformation translates into more aggressive post play and higher efficiency at the rim, Cleveland’s offense could take a major leap without a blockbuster trade.

The Veteran Presence That Could Balance Cleveland’s Young Core

Reports have linked Cleveland to a potential move for veteran forward Georges Niang, a sharpshooting stretch-four who could allow the team to add even more floor spacing. Niang, known for his consistent three-point shooting and ability to slot seamlessly into different lineups, would give the Cavaliers a reliable scoring threat from the perimeter while also bringing chemistry, having been part of the team before. His skill set could complement Mobley’s interior presence, forcing defenses to stay honest and opening up driving lanes for the Cavs’ guards.

Mobley’s leap into MVP conversation depends on more than his own work. Darius Garland’s playmaking could create easier scoring chances, while improved floor spacing from a returning Georged Niang could unlock his expanded skill set. Combined with his defensive mastery, the new physical edge could push him into elite territory.

The Cavaliers are banking on the pairing of a prime Mitchell and a stronger, more assertive Mobley to lead their championship push. If Mobley can become a true two-way force, not just an elite defender but also a reliable 20+ point scorer, it raises Cleveland’s ceiling drastically.