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Cavs’ Mobley hanging on to #1 in Rookie Ladder; Raps’ Barnes impressing

By Justin Brownlow

Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers. (Photo by Jason Miller/NBAE via Getty Images)
Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers. (Photo by Jason Miller/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers. (Photo by David Richard-USA TODAY Sports) /

Mobley can win, but must close strong

Whenever Evan Mobley returns from injury, he is going to have to play even better than he did prior to the injury. Don’t get me wrong, Mobley’s case for ROY is by far the best out of the other options, but ending the season on a high note would be a huge confidence boost into 2022-23. With Jarrett Allen also returning to the lineup before the play-in/potentially postseason, this Cavaliers team could be a dangerous team once again in the playoffs.

Mobley has basically been atop the rookie ladder from the beginning of the season. His impact on winning is the one thing that stands out to me. Rarely, if ever, do you see a 20-year-old come right into the NBA and be an elite rim protecting big man. On top of that, his offensive arsenal is getting better by the game. With Allen being out with an injury, it opened up the floor more for Mobley to use his length and speed to get past defenders.

Even with Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes closing in on the top spot, I believe Mobley has enough gas to get him over the finish line.

And the most telling stat about Mobley that proves his worth is the team’s record when he doesn’t play. Without the big man from USC, the Cavs are 4-9. On top of that, they are 6-10 without Jarrett Allen.

So while this has been a very bad meltdown, it’s not all their fault. Any team would be impacted losing a starter. Now imagine losing two of your three cornerstones to injury, and then you have the Cleveland Cavaliers.

No matter how this season ends, hopefully the rest of the NBA took notice this season. This isn’t the same LeBron James-less Cavs that don’t stand a chance. This is a new, young group that has the possibility of making their own mark on the city of Cleveland.