The Cleveland Cavaliers have built one of the league’s most promising young cores in a very short time and they’re getting some recognition nationally now.
Recently, ESPN came out with their latest top 25 NBA players 25 and younger (subscription required) and the Cavaliers were well-represented in that. The Cavs have built an incredibly promising core that is one of the better ones in the NBA. Evan Mobley and Darius Garland are the most important two players, along with Jarrett Allen, and that group has other promising developing pieces as well.
Three Cavs were able to make an appearance in that ESPN list, with Allen slotting in at #18, Mobley at #15, and Garland checking in at #9. Again it’s nice to see the Cavs get some credit nationally, in getting 3 guys in ESPN’s top 25 and under list of players 25 and under.
This was nice to see as a Cavs fan, and the group is on the way up.
As far as the rankings go, in Allen’s case, I don’t have a problem with it and more so agree with the ranking. It seems fair and is a solid spot for Allen.
As far as Garland and Mobley I think they deserve to be higher. In Mobley’s case he made his debut at #15. Some notable names ahead of Mobley are Tyrese Haliburton (14th), Scottie Barnes (13th), and Cade Cunningham (6th). It’s not hyperbole to suggest this last one could be a historic draft class.
It’s not suprising to see the likes of Cunningham, Barnes, Mobley, and even Jalen Green to already make debuts on this list. Cade looks like he’s going to be a superstar for the Detroit Pistons for a long time soon enough, while Barnes is incredibly versatile, as he does a lot for the Toronto Raptors and has had a big impact for them.
At this point I just think Mobley is the better player and has more upside, regarding Barnes.