Rookie Review: Evan Mobley

How the Cavs rookie has fared thus far and where he can improve

Like the 2003 draft class, the 2021 crop of rookies seems to already be an elite group. This isn’t exactly breaking news to those of us who covered the draft and were thoroughly impressed with the top-tier of prospects available.

Over the next few weeks, we’re going to dive into some of the most impactful rookies and break down their film. Where have they succeeded thus far? What areas can they continue to work on? Do those add up with where we predicted they’d be based on their college film?

We start with Evan Mobley, arguably the most impactful rookie thus far. Mobley’s raw numbers are very sturdy: 13.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.8 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. He’s shooting it okay; 47.4% from the field and 33.3% from 3. But what is most important is that the Cleveland Cavaliers are a surprise playoff contender, starting the season 19-12 and currently sitting third in the Eastern Conference.

Mobley’s impact has been felt in a two-big lineup with Cleveland, partnering with Jarrett Allen to create a Twin Towers approach that makes them tough to stop. The pairing, initially doubted as one that might not have enough spacing to coexist, has succeeded in large part to Mobley’s defensive mobility and short roll playmaking.

As we look at Mobley’s tenure in Cleveland, we focus on that versatile defense, the great passing and how he can take the next step by becoming a better finisher, especially off the bounce:

Many of the concerns with Mobley long-term were felt prior to the draft. That said, he has surprised us a bit in how he naturally fits in that two-big lineup. Long-term, we have our doubts with him being a full-time 4 without improvements to his shot or off-the-dribble finishing. It’s been a great start for Mobley nonetheless, one of the few rookies who is having a major impact as a starter on a playoff-bound team.