3 reasons Cavs’ Evan Mobley should win Rookie of the Year Award
By John Suchan
#2: A bigger difference to his team
Scottie Barnes might be the only other rookie that could challenge Mobley in this department. But considering the Cavs have made such a huge turnaround with Mobley in the lineup this season, there really shouldn’t be any dispute. Cleveland won 22 games a year ago, and right now, the team is sitting 43 on wins. That’s a 21-game improvement.
No other rookie comes close to making such a difference for their teams other than Barnes. The Raptors won 27 games last season and have won 48 games so far this season.
Considering the Cavaliers have been struggling to win games over the previous three seasons, the big turnaround has to be considered when valuing Mobley’s importance to the team. They had a 4-9 record when Mobley wasn’t playing this season and are 39-28 with him in the lineup. Five games under .500 to 11 games over .500 is a 16-game swing with Mobley in the games.
Both the Pistons and Rockets continue to be lousy even with their new rookies in the lineup. Cunningham and Detroit are currently 23-58 on the year. The Rockets and their rookie Green are 20-61 right now. So based on these team results neither rookie candidate should even be considered for the ROY award. A big part of this award should go to the player that has made the biggest difference for their team.
It’s a close race between Mobley and Barnes but because the Cavaliers have been a worse team for a longer period over the years, than Mobley’s talents have made a bigger impact.