The Cavaliers add Larry Nance Jr. as a versatile frontcourt piece off the bench, designed to relieve Mobley and Allen and keep the unit functional when the starters rest. His floor-spreading shooting, hustle deflection, and stable decision-making help Cleveland maintain spacing and energy without a burst star power. Health is a concern, so expect a steady, understated impact rather than game-changing runs.

Cavaliers’ regular-season surge earns hype for NBA 2K26 as Donovan Mitchell leads the way at 93, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen carry the frontline. Mobley’s 89 fuels debate after a Defensive Player of the Year run, with 2K prioritizing potential over current dominance. Ja Morant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, and others shape the top of the rankings, but Mobley’s two-way impact and Cavs’ strong home run pace raise questions about where 2K should land him this season.

The piece argues Mobley deserves a 90+ given his All-NBA Second Team season, shooting strides, and defensive versatility, while Allen’s 84 (or even lower) is a talking point after playoff adjustments. It highlights how 2K’s ratings can spark fire in players and fantasy managers, especially as Pacers and Cavs face new competition and health dynamics in 2025-26.

Dallas locked in D’Angelo Russell on a two-year, $13 million deal to steady the offense while Kyrie Irving heals, a move aimed at keeping the Mavericks’ attack cohesive with Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson as surrounding talent in the broader discussion. Russell’s career averages (17.3 PPG, 5.7 APG) suggest he’ll be more than a stopgap and should help with floor spacing and decision-making as Dallas navigates injury-prone star timing. Brooklyn’s disciplined, structure-first culture stands out as a blueprint the Mavericks hope to borrow, especially on smart recovery and professionalism.

Russell’s path—LA, Brooklyn, Golden State, Minnesota—built a professional baseline that Dallas hopes to leverage, balancing his shot creation with playmaking around a roster that’s viewed through the lens of durability. The Nets era is highlighted as a model for a serious, recovery-focused environment that could unlock peak efficiency for the supporting cast, even if the public persona of that team once looked more like a social-media sensation than a meticulous program.