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Rookie Ladder: Cavs’ Mobley slowly pulling away in yearlong race

By Justin Brownlow

Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images /
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Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors. Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images /

Hard To See Anyone But Mobley Holding the Trophy

At this point in the season, I have to admit, it’s becoming very hard for me to picture another player winning the Rookie of the Year Award other than Evan Mobley. He’s been around or at the top spot since the beginning of the season. On top of that, he was tasked with a tough challenge when Jarrett Allen went down, but he’s looked great at the center position.

In his five games starting in the middle he’s averaged over 20 points per game, 9.2 rebounds per game, and has also swatted away 1.4 blocks per game. He had a season high-30 points during the Cavs’ win over the Clippers earlier this week. Even when the other rookies step up their game the way they have down the stretch, Mobley is still the clear favorite.

As I said, I can’t picture anyone other than Evan Mobley holding the Rookie of the Year Trophy. He’s been incredibly consistent on a playoff-bound team as a rookie. That is unheard of. The effect that he has on the defensive end of the floor is really jaw-dropping. Yes, Mobley has been good on the offensive end this season, but it’s on the defensive end that he deserves to be mentioned when the NBA hands out their All-Defense teams.

To really put his effect on the defensive end into perspective, the Cavs are 10-9 when Mobley scores 18+ points. That’s pretty damn good, above .500. However, when Mobley blocks 3+ shots, they are 11-3, as h/t the aforementioned Aschburner. When Mobley is playing at this best on the defensive end, the Cavs are elite. That is one of many reasons I believe Evan Mobley will win the Rookie of the Year Award going away.