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

How long until the Cavs start Evan Mobley? Factor No. 2: Recent top picks came off the bench

LaMelo Ball was the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and went on to win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year Award. He was efficient, sparked a surge up the standings for the Charlotte Hornets and is now clearly the best player from his class. He also came off the bench for the first twenty games of his career.

Tyrese Haliburton joined Ball on the All-Rookie First Team after a stellar first season for the Sacramento Kings. He started just two of his first 33 games before injuries opened up a permanent spot in the starting lineup for him.

This path forward has not proven punitive for recent top draft picks, but instead has given them a chance to play against weaker backup units. Most teams especially have weaker defensive bigs coming off the bench, which helps guards with their penetration but in Even Mobley’s case would give him more opportunities to develop his inside game.

Bringing Mobley off the bench to start his career gives head coach J.B. Bickerstaff more flexibility in forming a lineup around him, it lessens the workload on Mobley and it provides an opportunity to gain experience without being put in the toughest situations. Such a move shouldn’t even prevent Mobley from end-of-the-year awards. That reality could delay Mobley’s entrance into the starting lineup.