Cavs should have three NBA All-Stars for years to come

#3: Evan Mobley

Evan Mobley could have easily been an NBA All-Star this season, but being a rookie in the league is a tough place to be if you wanted to be selected, despite the solid statistical numbers and overall play that everyone this season has been witness to.

He’s averaging 15 points and eight boards on the year. But more than that, if you watch Mobley on a nightly basis, you will see firsthand how he’s made his young Cavalier team better and have them eyeing a playoff run already.

He is the difference-maker with this team. Without him on the team this season, the Cavaliers are not in third place in the Eastern Conference. He is an excellent defender and has left opponents on the outside looking in and saying to themselves, “Oh God, we can’t go in there!”

Why? Because Mobley has become the ultimate rim protector and defensive player. He can guard the guards and wings on the outside, due to his outstanding footwork and lateral ability to keep the little guys running around confused on how to score on the big guy. And when bigger and more powerful post players do try and score over Mobley, the rookie uses his outstanding instincts and natural abilities to often alter or even block their shots.

Offensively, Mobley is as calm and smooth with his jumper as someone taking a snooze in a hammock on a breezy beach shoreline. He can pull up along the baseline, take a step back three at times from the top of the key or flush home a slam dunk. Opponents can’t figure him out because he’s such a smart player and keeps adding shots to his repertoire.

Many All-Star Games will include Mobley and next season will be the first, in my opinion. Rookie of the Year honors await this young Cavalier for now, but be ready Cavs fans to watch Mobley in the All-Star game for years to come.

It’ll be nice to see Garland in the NBA All-Star Game in a few weeks, but it will be triple the fun next season to see Allen and Mobley join him.