Star Wars Day: Which characters are the Cavs most like?
Star Wars Day: Cavs as heroes
Which Cavaliers compare well to heroes from the Star Wars universe?
Evan Mobley = Rey
The star of the sequel trilogy, Rey is a character who is good at nearly everything right from the start. She uses a lightsaber for the first time against a trained Sith and holds her own; she can fly or fix nearly any ship in the galaxy; she discovers Force powers like they are spare change stuck in the seat cushions.
That was seemingly the same for Evan Mobley. He came into the league as a skinny 20-year-old and immediately was unlocking new defensive schemes for the Cavs, locking down Trae Young in his third career game. He continued to level up during the season, adding offensive skills and proving himself to be one of the most versatile defenders in the league, full-stop. Will his story end in the NBA Finals by calling on the ghosts of Hakeem, Duncan and Garnett?
Jarrett Allen = Chewbacca
Jarrett Allen is a large human being, standing just shy of seven-feet tall, with broad shoulders and a massive wingspan. His hair only adds to the effect, making him seem even larger. He uses that size to wall off the paint, and opposing players know not to mess with him. He is clearly channeling his inner Wookie, as Chewbacca is also massive – and made more so by his hair. If you are driving towards the rim and Allen is waiting? Well, I advise you to “let the Wookie win“.
Darius Garland = Luke Skywalker
One of the most iconic heroes of all time, Luke Skywalker isn’t viewed as the hero of his own movie by the desperate Rebel Alliance. Princess Leia says “help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope” – no mention of a Farm Boy from Tatooine. Yet as the original Star Wars movie goes on, it becomes clear that Luke is taking the spotlight and is the savior his “team” needs.
That’s a similar story for Darius Garland, who came into a team run by Collin Sexton. Yet over the past season-and-a-half, it has become clear that Garland’s playmaking and shooting are a better foundation for a successful team than Sexton, and he has supplanted him as the Cavs’ star player.
Dean Wade = R2-D2
No one expects much from a little droid, nor from an undrafted free agent. Yet the very best moments for the heroes of the Star Wars films come when R2-D2 is around and helping out. The same goes for the Cavs; their best lineups almost always seem to contain Dean Wade, the underrated glue that holds it all together.
Collin Sexton = The Mandalorian
Collin Sexton is relentless, going at opponents no matter what they throw at him – almost as if he is covered in beskar armor. He may not be the star of his own show any longer (hey, Grogu) but he still has a part to play. Even against incredible odds – like playing 3-on-5 back at Alabama – he finds a way to produce.