With the 2021 NBA Draft now officially under a month away, it’s time to start talking about the Cleveland Cavaliers pick at number three.
Cleveland got lucky and landed the third overall pick in the draft. Pundits throughout the NBA have been quietly saying this is the best rookie class in a while. Cade Cunningham, the former Oklahoma State Cowboy, is the overwhelming favorite to go to the Detroit Pistons with the number one pick. After that, all the dominoes begin to fall, beginning with the Houston Rockets at second overall.
Outside of Cunningham, this rookie draft class has roughly three-four other potential All-Stars, depending on who you ask. Jalen Green, who is a pure scorer, impressed many while playing in the G League this past season with the G League Ignite squad. Evan Mobley, a 7-foot center from USC, is another potential All-Star. He has above average ball-handling, shows a nice shooting touch, and has the frame of an NBA rim protector.
And finally, Jonathan Kuminga, Green’s Ignite teammate, and Jalen Suggs of Gonzaga have the potential to be top-level NBA talents. Suggs was the best player on the floor for a talented Gonzaga team this past winter. Kuminga, meanwhile is a very mysterious prospect.
The 18-year-old, who previously reclassified, is fairly raw, he has the athleticism and scoring ability to be a two-way star in the NBA. For the purposes of this simulation, let’s just say the Rockets go with Jalen Green, leaving the Cavaliers to select Mobley with the third pick.
Cavs draft: Evan Mobley’s scouting report
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony (subscription required) has stated that opposing teams expect the Rockets to prioritize Green’s upside and scoring, over Mobley’s body of work. Taking that into consideration, it looks like the Cavs should start preparing to make Mobley their selection.
The 7-foot USC product is very athletic and nimble for his size. He also has a wingspan of 7-foot-4, making him an exciting young defensive rim protector, as KJG’s Robbie DiPaola touched on. Right now, Mobley has a good shooting range, but in the NBA the hope would be that he finds range from beyond the three-point arc. On top of that, he needs to refine his post moves, and develop more of a consistent back-to-the-basket game.
If they do draft Mobley, the Cavs should ease him into the NBA game by bringing him off the bench to start.
While Mobley won’t likely make the immediate impact that Green will, many think Mobley has a higher ceiling. One would assume that the Cavs would love to play Mobley at the 4, while keeping Jarrett Allen at the center position. This is good news, and is backed up by a report from Chris Fedor, saying the Cavs think Mobley can thrive at the four or five.
The only problem with this scenario is that the Cavaliers have a log-jam at the power forward position. Assuming Kevin Love is still on the team this year, he should get the starting nod over Mobley. It’s probably not safe to assume Allen will be back on the Cavs this season, but for argument’s sake, let’s just say it.
Barring a trade, Cleveland’s starting lineup next season could be Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, Isaac Okoro, Kevin Love and Jarrett Allen. Yes, we know that is not exciting. However, Mobley would benefit coming off the bench and playing with guys like Larry Nance Jr. and Cedi Osman.
Early on, he would be the go-to guy in the second unit. This would help Mobley develop a better outside shot, all while being the rim protector for the second unit. There’s even a possibility that he could bring the ball up the court sometimes off the bench.
Now, waiting wouldn’t be the only option for the Cavs, though.
While, in the Cavs situation I think waiting is the best option, there is another way of doing things. Take for example, the Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr.
He was the fourth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. At 6-foot-10, he has three-point shooting range, and is a plus post defender. He was thrust into the Grizzlies’ starting lineup right away in 2018, and he played very well during his rookie season, averaging 13.8 points per game, while shooting 36.0 percent from deep, and 50.0 percent from the field.
That said, he’s battled injuries his entire career, and only played in 11 games this past season. If the Cavaliers were able to find a way to unload Kevin Love’s contract, it would not surprise anyone if Mobley was in the starting lineup at the 4.
While it’s not reasonable to expect the same numbers from Mobley, simply because his shooting touch isn’t there yet, throwing him to the fire would be an interesting way of doing things.
Overall, landing a top-three pick in the 2021 NBA Draft was huge for the organization. Evan Mobley, Jalen Green and Jalen Suggs would all be great choices. If it does end up being Mobley, the Cavs need to be patient.