Cavs: 3 ways to replace Larry Nance’s role on defense

Cavs: 3 ways to replace Larry Nance’s role on defense – Toss Evan Mobley into the fire

Evan Mobley is an incredibly talented player, a deserving No. 3 overall pick and perhaps even a top pick in many years. The 7-footer can score, handle, pass, defend and rebound — the complete package in a modern big, a player with center size and wing skills.

The apparent plan for Mobley, given the team’s re-signing of center Jarrett Allen, was to play him most of his minutes at power forward and allow him to develop in an NBA strength-and-conditioning program. Long-term Mobley’s best fit would presumably be the 5, but if he is able to grow as a perimeter defender and shooter he could be a power forward.

Rather than take it slow, the Cavs could accelerate Mobley’s learning curve and use him as their top forward defender. He is a good bet to start, and he and Isaac Okoro project as good defenders who aren’t there yet. Having the two of them take on all comers, with Darius Garland and Collin Sexton taking the less dangerous threats, will give them both valuable reps on defense.

It will also mean a lot of losing, most likely, as the two players develop on that end. NBA defense is harder than ever to master, as Okoro learned last year when he was thrown into the fire. Assuming the Cavs are comfortable with the growing pains, the replacement for Larry Nance might be Mobley.