Evan Mobley is turning into one of the best players in the league in his second season. In the short time he’s been a pro, he’s logged 30 double-doubles as he covers the lane and space around it.
Through 25 games, Mobley is averaging 14.7 points on 56.3% shooting from the field, with 9.3 boards and 2.4 assists.
Playing for a loaded squad, in theory, should help a player’s development because he is surrounded by an abundance of basketball minds and gifted teammates. But when there are so many options, it is more of a challenge to get in where you fit in.
Last season, the Cavs had two All-Stars (Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen), and over the summer, added another (Donovan Mitchell). For experiments like this to pay off, at least one starter and key reserve has to sacrifice touches and minutes. In Cleveland’s starting unit, Mobley and Lamar Stevens are those guys. In the bench mob, it’s Isaac Okoro.
So, what could Mobley’s game look like with the Cavs, should he hit his ceiling?
Perhaps Mobley’s development would be in more advanced stages if he took 15 or 16 shots a night on a team that isn’t going anywhere. Eventually, when he gets stronger, he’ll get more assertive by looking to score, but what he gives the Cavaliers now is already a premium.
Evan is a stud on defense because he excels in zone or man-to-man coverage. He resembles an albatross on the floor when he extends his arms guarding an inbound pass. His quick feet keep him in front of the league’s stronger and quicker perimeter players. And as a strong rebounder, he ensures his team comes away with more possessions than the opponent.
On the defensive end, he has the potential to become this generation’s Nate Thurmond.
One area of development that may be going slightly under the radar for Mobley is his versatility. Last year, 76% of his minutes were recorded at the power forward spot. Through nearly a third of this campaign, he’s logged 49% of his time at the center position, per Basketball Reference. This makes it evident that Evan can adjust to multiple roles and perform well with different players around him.
Team supporters might grow frustrated on nights when Mobley scores just seven points, as he did in Cleveland’s win at home over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. Sometimes other guys, such as Garland and Mitchell, are savaging the rival. Yet, all the contributions getting those guys open through hellacious screening by Allen and improved screening by Mobley shouldn’t be ignored.
On many occasions, it’s Cleveland’s frontcourt that is surrendering their bodies through contact for a quick window against drop coverage or on a back screen, creating a breakdown.
Big men, historically, evolve slower than guards and perimeter forwards. It could take nearly a handful of years for Mobley to crack his first All-Star team, especially considering voters generally view offense as more important when casting their ticket.
But he’ll get there soon enough. When he starts hitting mid-range shots with ease, his passing game will likely open up because he’ll have more room to hit a teammate on the go toward the cup if his man is not sagging off, avoiding a trap.
I couldn’t care less if he ever improves his 3-point shot. I fear if he did, he might grow too attracted to his new abilities and turn into a soft big man like Karl-Anthony Towns. He needs to command the area 0-16 feet from the basket.
Hopefully, the Cavaliers will manage to still have this core around Mobley when he starts bursting through the surface. Cleveland is a very good team, and could end up in the Eastern Conference Finals, but young teams go through growing pains.
The special ones learn from their mistakes and capitalize on continuity. If the Cavs do that, they’ll turn into a powerhouse.