Cavs: 3 players key to their upcoming West Coast trip

Cavs key player #3: Mobley

Mobley has gotten off to a solid start this season. His comfort level on the floor is very noticeable for the #3 draft pick and has provided a nice added dynamic to this young Cavalier team. In his first three games he has filled the stat sheet in numerous departments. In game 1 at the Memphis Grizzlies he finished with 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists, with a block and a steal.

In the home opener against the Hornets he recorded 13 points, five boards, two blocks and two steals. He followed that performance up with another 17-point game that included his first career double-double as he had 11 boards on the night. He also disposed of four opponents shots up into the rafters by his blocking prowess.

The best part for me right now in watching Mobley, beyond the stat lines, are what he is actually doing to his opponents while on the floor. To begin with he doesn’t shy away from the moment and seems so far to be thriving in doing the things he was brought here to do and that includes his tight defense. His footwork defensively has been a delight to watch and his lateral quickness and ability to recover for a 7-foot big man is oh so good.

In the game against the Hornets he also altered at least six opponents shots too as he was defending the rim. That type of skill defensively will be a huge plus to the Wine and Gold moving through the season.

With the Cavaliers deciding to roll with a three-man front of 7-footers in Jarrett Allen, Lauri Markkanen and Mobley as starters it’s adding a look for the team that has other teams taking note and scrambling on how to defend this team. The fact that Mobley is already so natural handling the ball from the key and can drive down his opponents into the lane on the offensive side of the ball is a big deal.

If Mobley can take his act on the road out West for Cleveland, then this team will be in games over the next two weeks and hopefully will help them pull out a few wins along the way.