By Larry Rupp
It’s safe to say that this year’s NBA rookie class is full of exciting playmakers. Scottie Barnes is contributing every night for the Toronto Raptors and Cade Cunningham is starting to figure out his role on the Detroit Pistons. However, a forward out of Cleveland is outperforming them all.
Cavaliers’ rookie Evan Mobley has morphed into a reliable player on both ends of the court for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. There’s a reason he leads all candidates to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award with odds set at -300, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. He is followed by Cunningham (+500), Barnes (+550), and Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic (+1500).
#EvanMobley = certified bucket 🌟#NBAAllStar | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/G4vPeCCIUh
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 3, 2022
Mobley was taken with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft after spending one year with the USC Trojans. He finished his lone college season averaging 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.9 blocks while leading his squad to the Elite 8. Mobley also showed flashes of potential greatness on a nightly basis with an unrelenting effort around the rim.
The Cavaliers selected Mobley in order to pair him with sixth-year pro Jarrett Allen and it has worked out perfectly so far. Both big men are averaging over 15 points per game and create a daunting duo in the paint on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, Mobley is blowing the rest of the rookie class out of the water when it comes to blocked shots. His long wingspan and ability to close out on the perimeter is the backbone to his defensive prowess. That’s not all, though. Mobley finds himself amongst the top 10 players in the entire NBA when it comes to defensive efficiency rating.
The 20-year-old isn’t only making an impact on defense, though. Mobley ranks amongst the top five rookies in average points per game and is shooting over 50% from the floor. It’s notable to point out that he poured in an impressive 26 points in a win over the New York Knicks in early November. While he’s known best for his rim-rocking dunks, Mobley has proven that he can be relied on to hit mid-range jumpers and make the necessary pass for an open shot.
Zero lies detected.
RETWEET if you agree with @channingfrye! 🤩@evanmobley | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/mKKUlrXfen
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 8, 2022
Cleveland is right in the middle of the Eastern Conference playoff race right now and have the young talent needed to secure a top six seed. If that happens, it’s hard to see Mobley missing out on the Rookie of the Year award. All of the other contenders are currently playing on teams that are under the .500 mark. Overall, it’s not outlandish to say that Mobley is the most powerful Cavaliers’ rookie since the great Kyrie Irving came to town nearly a decade ago.
The NBA season is only at the midway point and it wouldn’t be surprising to see someone like Barnes or Cunningham push their way up the rankings. Mobley could easily be battled down the stretch, but this is his race to lose right now. It’ll be interesting to see if the California kid can get the job done.
Picture Credit: Erik Drost
