Cavs draft chatter: How special is Evan Mobley?

The Cavs could be in position to select USC’s Evan Mobley with the third pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Mobley, a 7-footer, averaged 16.4 points and 2.9 blocks per game in his lone season at USC.

This draft is viewed as one of the most deepest drafts, 1-4, in recent vintage, as any player chosen at one of those spots possesses superstar potential. For what it’s worth, G-Leaguer, Jonathan Kuminga, routinely mocked at No. 5, also has supports declaring him a superstar in waiting.

The consensus seems to be that the Cavs will be picking from either Mobley, Jalen Green or Suggs. One of these prospects will go No. 2. Two will be available.

If its Mobley, the Cavs would get a player that’s hard to make a carbon copy of in the modern-day NBA, according to CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish, via 92.3 The Fan.

"“I wouldn’t not pass at 3, I don’t believe, on a talent, the level of that of Evan Mobley. He’s special and unique and perfect built for the way the game is played din 2021.”"

Parrish continued, noting Mobley was “an elite prospect” who would be in the conversation to go as the No. 1 pick in other drafts.

He also noted the number of bigs in the NBA, particularly Rudy Gobert, who are excellent rim protectors, but incapable of covering in space.

Mobley does both on defense, plus, by now, we’ve all heard he’s capable of finishing near rim, but is also comfortable enough to shoot from the perimeter.

Some fans see the selection of Mobley has duplicating the skills of Mobley with current Cav, Jarrett Allen, a player Cleveland acquired in the three-team trade that sent James Harden to the Nets.

That said, Parrish said Allen believes the duo can play together and if they can’t–he’d have no hesitation in moving on from Allen.

ESPN’s draft gurus see Jalen Green going second to the Rockets, and recently, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst made the case for selecting Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs, which of course, would mean either Collin Sexton or Darius Garland would be traded.

Let me know who you’re rooting for at No. 3 because I could make a case for all three. If push came to shove, I’d take Green, because it’s a wing’s league. If he’s gone,

I’m torn between Suggs and Mobley. I’d probably take the big man because as Parrish noted, 7-footers who can rim protect and guard in space are tougher to find.