Evan Mobley getting reps is a key to watch for Cavs in Summer League

The Cleveland Cavaliers recently selected what could be a potential superstar big in the 2021 NBA Draft at #3 overall in Evan Mobley, who had a terrific lone collegiate season at USC.

Mobley had 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.9 blocks and 2.4 assists per contest with the Trojans in 2020-21, and was a crucial reason why they made a run to the Elite Eight.

After rumors of the Cavaliers potentially dealing it/there being suggestions of hypothetical tradedowns that the Cavs themselves didn’t reportedly consider it seemed, they made a smart decision in simply selecting Mobley. The 7-footer, although he needs to fill out physically with him just 215 pounds currently, still should provide quite the impact from the jump.

Mobley does need to further progress to become a regular catch-and-shoot threat from three, but his stroke/mechanics lead many to seemingly believe he can do so. And his touch in other areas, guard-like handle and vision, and defensive abilities should have fans pumped.

But before training camp/the preseason eventually do play out, it should be nice for fans to see Mobley get some playing time with the Cavs Las Vegas Summer League squad, set to kickoff their play on Aug. 8.

Cleveland’s 2021 Vegas Summer League team was announced on Monday, per the team and as h/t Spencer Davies of Basketballnews.com, and Mobley will get some time in action with them.

Mobley getting some legitimate reps is a key thing to watch for the Cavs in 2021 Vegas Summer League.

Players such as Lamar Stevens, recent Exhibit 10 signing Chandler Vaudrin, a 6-foot-7 lead playmaker who could potentially help his case for a two-way spot, and Isaac Okoro are others that jump out on the roster, for one. And with how Okoro closed out his rookie season, with 16.2 points per game (although injuries did play into that some), it’ll be intriguing to see him showcase what he’s been working on offensively this offseason.

But for Cavs fans, the Mobley minutes should pique much of the interest surrounding Summer League this go-round, and even with it just being Summer League, it will be exciting to see him show some of what he can do.

I’d expect him to get his share of mid-post looks, where he can look to use his quickness and fluidity to either get to jump hooks/push shots or eventual fadeaways. He’ll get some of his usage next season in set offense in those areas, and some as a pick-and-pop shooter.

Plus, him getting some work as a roller with Vaudrin and Jaylen Hands at the controls in stretches should be an interesting counter to that mid-post/face-up game. We should likely see that in these outings.

From there, I’d like to see Cleveland at times have Mobley playmake in settled situations as well, where his timing in hitting weak side cutters and shooters should lead to easy offense for Stevens, to go with Trevon Bluiett, among others.

And with the Cavs, the playmaking aspect and big-to-big delivery feel from Mobley, which can lead to rotational breakdowns, and help out Jarrett Allen next season, will be a point of emphasis for the former Trojan. So perhaps we’ll see some of that in spurts with Mfiondu Kabengele, with Kabengele at the 4, in that case.

Additionally, on the defensive end, though it’s going to just be Summer League, and you take with a grain of salt, Mobley’s rim protecting and abilities to switch if needed will be something fans will likely be keeping an eye out for, for example.

We’ll have to see in regards to his defense against more physical bigs, however, and that will be something he’ll need to work at in coming years, but him getting stronger/adding weight should make a difference, as the IQ and positioning are there.

Anyway, as we’ve touched on, some legitimate reps for Mobley will be fun for Cavs fans in this Summer League go-round.

The Cavaliers’ first Vegas Summer League game is on Sunday at 6:30 PM Eastern against the Houston Rockets (on ESPN2, among other streaming options), and they’ll be guaranteed to play at least five games.