Evan Mobley from USC
Picked by – Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA Championship betting odds = 501.00)
Age: 19
Measurements: 7’ (213.4cm) – 215 lbs (97.5kg)
Position: Center
Evan Mobley is considered by some to be the most complete player of this year’s pick. In terms of general reliability all-around capabilities, it’s hard to disagree. It’s not difficult to see why Cleveland snapped him up (as predicted) when the chance came.
AVERAGES AND STATS
He has a mature and well-rounded set of offensive skills.
The rangy, exceptionally mobile (especially for his size) 19 year old averaged 16.4 points (3P 40%), 8.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.9 blocks per game. A highly respectable set of stats. Those rebounds alone are reason enough to choose him.
SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
But the story doesn’t end there.
Mobley has the potential to be one of the top ‘two-way’ big men in the NBA.
He has assured classy footwork and a constant eye on the need for defence. A highly effective shot-blocker (95 total blocks, second highest) who also scores heavily.
He is a touch on the light side for an NBA centre but will continue to grow.
He will surely add weight with an intensive NBA training and diet regime.
Evan Mobley stands out from the crowd, and not just because he’s 213m tall. He is extremely athletic and possesses smooth coordination that instils confidence in teammates, and fear in opponents. His instinctive timing and general feel for the game are everything a modern NBA team could want, and the Cavaliers will be glad they chose him we feel.
CAN THE CAVALIERS PUT TEAMS TO THE SWORD THIS SEASON?
They’re going to need Mobley’s scoring threat this season.
With only a 30% win rate, they ranked dead last in overall scoring last season. In fact, they were the only team to rank in the bottom 5 in field goal, mid-range, and 3 point percentages. Truly an abysmal display from the Cavaliers.
Mobley can go some way towards improving that, but he can’t do it alone. The team at The Jump Hub agree that Cleveland need to make big improvements this season to stand any chance of even marginal success. Their market odds currently stand at 501.00
Update – actual Draft results here
