I’m not going to give the Cleveland Cavaliers the biggest pat on the back for selecting Evan Mobley #3 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. With the likes of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green off the board, going 1-2 to the Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets before that, with Mobley’s modern big qualities, that was a no-brainer.
Mobley might not be nearly the players of Cunningham and Green when it’s all said and done, but he sure looks to have the capability to be a superstar in the NBA, too.
The 7-footer had 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.9 blocks and 2.4 assists per contest in his lone collegiate season at USC, and with his versatility, guard-like skill set for a big and stretch potential, he could establish himself as Cleveland’s franchise centerpiece.
I do also believe that with Mobley’s passing, defensive chops, including switchability onto perimeter players when needed, and with him appearing to have plenty of shooting potential, that he and Jarrett Allen can mesh well together.
Mobley does need to fill out in time, as he only is 215 pounds currently, but that should come along gradually in coming years.
It is still apparent though that with Mobley’s wide-ranging abilities, in the offensive end in this sense, that he could be a difference-maker from the jump for Cleveland. I wouldn’t necessarily expect him to start from the jump, but he’ll get a ton of action either way, and going forward, he’s clearly a crucial piece and possibly the player the Cavaliers build around.
The pick-and-roll game with him should be really intriguing, too.
The pick-and-roll possibilities are endless with Mobley for the Cavs.
Firstly, we’ll examine the rolling element.