Cavs: How Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen can complement each other

Cavs: What to do with two rim protectors?

Evan Mobley was an exceptional rim-protector at USC. As I said earlier, he almost averaged three blocks per game. However, that may not be his best defensive asset. Coming out of USC, it was evident how quick Mobley could move while also being so big.

On the Cavs defense, he will not be asked as much to be a rim protector, simply because they can use his talents elsewhere. Oh, and the fact that Jarrett Allen is on the team. Mobley’s impact on defense is immense, and with his agility/switchability, he could very well terrorize opposing perimeter shooters. Overall, with his height and quickness his best defensive asset might be his 7-foot-4 wingspan.

As one could see in his season with the Trojans, Mobley has an incredible talent of altering shots, from anywhere on the court. Right now he’s able to guard almost every spot. With that being said, Mobley can be even more daring on defense. He can close out hard to any shooter, because he knows the 7-foot Jarrett Allen is behind him to protect him. While it could eventually lead to some open shots for the opponent, it’s a solid defensive foundation to start with, by and large.

Hopefully down the line Mobley is one of the best rim protectors in the NBA. In the short term though, with the situation being as it is in Cleveland, he’ll be able to develop his on-ball defense and perimeter shot blocking, which could be a factor even early on. Allen is not as mobile or quick, but he too can guard the four or five position, and admittedly is better suited against fives for now.

With this in mind, the Cavs can focus on developing Mobley’s all-around defensive game, while Allen sits on the throne at the rim.