Haliburton on His Return, Preseason Thoughts, and Most Intriguing Players!

DuncanOr that's because James Harden did the playoff thing again. It's like Evan Mobley is really good. I think because he didn't make the capital L leap last year, some of the subtle growth that he did make last year went under the radar. Like I did feel like he was a better passer. I did feel like he dealt with contact on drives a little bit more.

DuncanHe was more intentional about hitting first on some of the post touches and on some of the drives in particular. Very quietly converted a career high 63 % of his twos.

DuncanAnd he was at 63 % of his twos during the playoffs as well.

DuncanAnd he's been an all defense candidate, if not a D point winner, since he has stepped into the NBA. And so for a Cavs team that I still think at the very least should turn out regular season wins.

DuncanIf we do actually get another creation leap from Evan Mobley, or there's just more play strength in general, which unlocks more lines with him at the five and which means he gets to build more pick and roll chemistry with James Harden. And that looked really good during the regular season last year.

DuncanThe Cavs should be in the mix to come out of the East. Like, I don't think that is an egregious take to have. And so for me, I'm watching once again on what level of growth we see from Evan Mobley on top of him being really good on both ends

Loweof the floor already. I was going to ask you what specifically is the source of intrigue? Like, what are you watching from him where you're like, I want to see what's different this year? You mentioned more pick and rolls with Harden, maybe with him at center. You mentioned his passing. And yeah, he had a small uptick in assists last year and then an even bigger one in the playoffs.