Cavaliers Prospect: Center, Evan Mobley, USC
By: Kevin McAndrews @AhBigKev @MarkOneSports
STRENGTHS
Starting with Mobley’s size, he’s a legitimate 7-footer with a huge 7-4 wingspan. At 215 pounds he will need to pack on a few pounds, but he just turned 20 in June and has the frame to do so. It’s when you match the size with his two-way skillset that things get interesting. The USC prospect moves end-to-end with speed in transition, handles the ball with ease and is an explosive leaper around the rim.
Offensively, Mobley can score from all three levels. He’s a nightmare as a screener in the pick-and-roll but can generate his own shot – a rarity for most seven-footers. He can shoot over most players – and displays a nice soft touch – and is far too quick for clunkier big men. He has a nice array of shots – from a smooth mid-range jumper to jump-hooks over both shoulders.
Mobley is also a very good passer from the post, the perimeter and on the outlet. He passes using not only his size, but his basketball IQ and instincts.
Defensively, he has the potential to be a true NBA difference-maker. He’s got the quickness and the footwork to stick with smaller players on the perimeter and is obviously a shot-eraser around the rim. He’s a lethal shot-blocker with both hands and does so without getting into foul trouble. The Pac-12’s leader on the glass, Mobley also excels as a rebounder on both ends. He grabbed double-digit boards in a dozen games as a freshman, nine of those with at least four off the offensive glass.
WEAKNESSES
One of Mobley’s few weaknesses is something that’s easily overcome – the need to bulk up for battle at the next level. At just 215 pounds, he’ll get pushed around by some of the league’s beefier big men.
Mobley has shown the ability to hit the long-ball – drilling 12 triples – but that was on 40 attempts, hitting more than one in a game only once as a freshman. By the same token, Mobley has the smooth stroke that should allow him to improve with work as a pro.
At this stage, Mobley is more comfortable in face-up situations than with his back to the basket. Right now, he doesn’t have a solid post-up game to rely on – but, again, that should develop with more work.
HOW HE'D FIT
The Cleveland Cavaliers front office has bolstered their backcourt and wing positions in the past three Drafts and completely re-made their center spot with a pair of separate deals last season. While both Jarrett Allen and Isaiah Hartenstein were very good, and in Allen’s case outstanding, they’re both free agents this summer. That’s not to say that Cleveland couldn’t pair up Mobley with one or both of last year’s bigs. While he’s an excellent rim-protector, he’s not yet a banger in the blocks, and has all the skills to slide over to the 4. The point is, with a player as talented as Mobley, the Cavaliers could make it work, BUT…..Will he be available at #3 of the NBA draft? To sum it up….Evan Mobley would fit in just fine with the Cleveland Cavaliers!
