Fields: Mobley a Potential Franchise Player for Cavs

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Posted on August 2, 2021


  By LaMarr Fields, SuperWest Sports

Coming into the NBA Draft, I felt Evan Mobley could be the best player in the draft.

Mobley’s skillset is unique: He can score in the post, mid-range, and even shoot the three. And even at 7-foot, 215 pounds, Mobley has some excellent guard skills.

As a freshman at USC, Mobley averaged 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game, earning him Pac-12 Player of the Year honors, as well as Defensive Player of the Year, and Freshman Player of the Year.

Taken with the third overall pick of the NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Mobley should come in and start right away at the power forward position, and will probably play some minutes at center as well.

Mobley is very athletic and quick of his feet for his size. His leaping ability allows him to finish above the rim, and he can handle the ball in open court, making accurate passes to open teammates.

The USC star also has a mid-range jumper and can extend to the three-point line on the NBA level.

On Defense, Mobley could be an outstanding wing protector with the ability to rotate efficiently on the weak side and step out on guards. He should also be an exceptional pick-and-roll defender.

.@evanmobley touches down in Cleveland 🛬

(via @Cavs) pic.twitter.com/eQjWsjcnVp

— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 30, 2021

As with many rookies, Mobley will need to get stronger. At times in the college ranks, he was pushed around on the defensive boards. He will need to be more physical on the NBA level.

At times, Mobley—like Anthony Davis, with whom I compare him—will leave you wanting for more; he needs to stay engaged in the game at all times.

If Mobley puts in the work and plays to his potential, he could develop into a franchise player.

Follow LaMarr Fields on Twitter: @raiderway83, @lsportstakes.

Read his other articles on L’s Sports Takes.

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