Cavs: Evaluating the fit of Lauri Markkanen with Evan Mobley

Cavs: Lauri Markkanen should be a great fit alongside Evan Mobley

On paper it seems like Cleveland has somewhat of a logjam in their frontcourt.  From Mobley, to Allen, and Wade and Love, and now Markkanen, the Cavaliers certainly will not have a problem finding a big man to play.  However, what becomes tricky is finding fits for all of these players.

Lauri finished this last season averaging a decent 13.6 points per game, in addition to 5.3 rebounds and 0.9 assists.  While Lauri did not play up to his full potential this past season, there is still promise there.  Back in the 2018-19 season, Markkanen finished with an average of 18.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.  If J.B. Bickerstaff and the Cavaliers can bring that version of Lauri back, Cleveland will be in good shape.  Especially when you bring in Evan Mobley.

Now, a unique pairing could be found in a Mobley-Markkanen tandem.  Evan Mobley is projected to be a star player in the league.  Coming into the NBA as the Cavaliers’ third pick in the 2021 draft, Mobley’s presence gives Cleveland a rookie big man that can shoot and play-make like a guard, while still maintaining a formidable defensive mindset. When you bring Lauri Markkanen into the fold, the former Chicago Bull can help elevate Mobley’s game.  In turn, Mobley can also elevate Markkanen.

One of the biggest advantages Lauri Markkanen brings to this Cavs team is some much-needed shooting.  Last year the big man shot 48.0% from the field, with an additional 40.2% beyond the arc.  An efficient catch-and-shoot player could fit well next to another big man like Mobley who has been known to show some playmaking flashes on the court.  If Mobley and Markkanen play some meaningful minutes together on the court, with Lauri at the 4 spot and Mobley taking the role of center, I believe we can see stretches of game time where Mobley’s effortless ability to read the court presents itself down in the paint with Lauri, as he finds the former Bull for some exciting catch-and-shoot moments.

Lauri’s shooting is going to be one of the biggest strengths he will demonstrate when he dons the Wine and Gold. Mobley finished his collegiate career at USC averaging 2.4 assists per game. Having a fellow big man down in the key that can pass the ball will give Markkanen the chance to elevate his game. Mobley’s court vision will be crucial to Markkanen’s shooting success.