Projecting the Cavs’ top 4 defenders in the 2022-23 season

Projecting the Cavs’ 4 best defenders in 2022-23 – #1: Evan Mobley

Evan Mobley. Perhaps the biggest difference-maker this Cavaliers team has had in a while. Reporters and analysts alike have predicted Mobley’s game will evolve into a combination of Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett, or seemingly something of that ilk. That prediction alone warrants a discussion for the top defender for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the upcoming season.

Previously I had mentioned that Jarrett Allen makes up one half of one of the NBA’s most formidable frontcourts, well Evan Mobley is the other half. Playing alongside Jarrett Allen was instrumental in Mobley’s development. Many people believed Cleveland would look to move on from Allen after drafting Mobley, theoretically, but I was always intrigued by the prospect of the two playing together. So, when it came time for the regular season, I was not disappointed in the slightest bit.

A generational talent, Mobley is easily one of the best players to come out of the draft last year. I think I speak for the entire population of Cleveland, Ohio when I say that Evan Mobley deserved to win Rookie of the Year last year. But, this article is not meant to pit Mobley against Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors. Both players have the makings of being foundational pieces to their teams and will continue to show abundant amounts of success for years to come.

Evan Mobley ranked 2nd overall in total rebounds for the Cavs last year, averaging 8.3 per game, and more specifically, 6.2 defensive rebounds a game. Mobley also led the team with the most blocks per game at 1.7. Mobley was one of the best players on the Cavs roster last year, and one of the best rookies in the league.

Essentially, all of his defensive abilities were on full display, whether it was his knack for locking up the perimeter, protecting the rim, switching up on opponents when necessary, or just his overall basketball intelligence. Mobley was without a doubt the best choice for the Cavs with the 3rd pick last year.

Given that Mobley just wrapped up his rookie season and is already being talked about as a “generational talent” or “cornerstone piece to the franchise” says a lot about the young Cavalier’s potential and where the team sees him fitting into the overall timeline.

Just like his partner in crime, I predict we may see Mobley up for a DPOY Award in the not-too-distant future. Between Allen and Mobley, it would be a tight race, but either way having a DPOY on the Cavs would be huge. I predict we will see Mobley finish this upcoming season as the Cavaliers’ best/most impactful defender with an average of 11.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.

Mobley’s ascent to stardom has only just begun.