Cavs: Predicting how long before Evan Mobley is in starting lineup

How long until the Cavs start Evan Mobley? Factor No. 1: Roster loaded with PFs

The Cleveland Cavaliers have found themselves in a position where a significant percentage of their resources are invested in the power forward position. Former Cavaliers’ All-Star Kevin Love is on the books for $31.26 million, while defensive maestro Larry Nance Jr. is best deployed at the 4 and will make $10.69 million next year.

Added to the No. 3 overall pick the team invested in Mobley that is a lot of team assets in one position. With Jarrett Allen signed to a new $100 million extension he will fill a number of minutes at center, and most analysts agree it will be tough for Mobley to play much at center as a rookie (although he will play some) given his size and strength not being up to NBA center standards yet.

If head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is given the organizational mandate to win games next season, he will almost certainly play Nance and Love over Mobley. The skillset and defensive instincts of Mobley as phenomenal for a draft prospect, but he will take time to grow and adjust to doing them at a high level in the NBA.

Altman could also try to have his cake and eat it too in guiding Bickerstaff to start the veterans over Mobley. On the one hand, he can hope the trade value of Nance (already fairly high) and Love (nowhere to go but up) increases with more playing time. On the other, bringing Mobley along off-the-bench buys him time to show Mobley’s progress.

Eventually, this team will likely buy out Love and trade Nance, perhaps at the trade deadline. That would clear the way for Mobley to start and play significant minutes. Until then, the crowded position will lead to some difficult decisions and could prevent Mobley from starting.