Cavs: 5 burning questions for 2021-22 NBA season

Cavs: 5 burning questions – Does Evan Mobley look like a generational talent?

The Cleveland Cavaliers did not dismay when they landed at No. 3 in the 2021 NBA Draft, despite hopes of securing the top pick. As most draft analysts saw there was a clear top tier of players this year, players who could have been considered the top pick in another draft. While Cade Cunningham would have been an incredible fit on this roster, the team has to feel they got an incredible talent at No. 3 in Evan Mobley.

Right now, before Mobley plays a single NBA minute, he looks like a tantalizing combination of physical attributes and skills. He is a 7-footer with ball skills to put the ball on the deck or thread passes to teammates while reading the defense from the elbow. He should be able to shoot, both from beyond the arc and the stripe, but his length will make him a good finisher inside. Defensively he is not only long and prolific around the rim, he has the foot speed and anticipation to survive in space against opposing perimeter players. It all looks to be there.

What if it isn’t? What if Mobley turns into Jaren Jackson Jr. without the shooting? A thin frame that is tossed around inside, a poor rebounder, a player who isn’t dynamic enough offensively to man the 4 but isn’t strong enough to play the 5? That’s far from likely, but even the surest-of-things in the NBA can fail to come to pass.

The Cavs are ready to start taking a step forward, taking the young core they have gathered and watching them blossom. They are already starting to become expensive, to the time is now to move. That means Mobley is going to be their highest draft pick of this rebuild, and both the team and its fans need proof that Mobley is the guy to build on.