Cavs: Grading Cleveland’s 2021 biggest offseason moves

By Justin Taguibao | Sep 15, 2021

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 29: NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) and Evan Mobley poses for photos after Mobley was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2021 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on July 29, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 13: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is guarded by Herbert Jones #5 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2021 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on August 13, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Pelicans defeated the Cavaliers 87-74. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Evan Mobley

Grade: A-

With the third overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected University of Southern California standout Evan Mobley.

The mobile 7’0” stretch big has drawn comparisons with recent Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Chris Bosh, as well as Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis.

Starting in all 33 appearances for the Trojans, Mobley averaged 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, and 2.4 assists in his lone year donning the cardinal and gold jersey.

He’ll have an equally important role in wine and gold, forming the Tower City frontcourt with Jarrett Allen that guarantees plenty of rim protection to compensate for some of the guards’ deficiencies on the defensive end.

While Mobley will need some time to bulk up and improve his interior finishing as he transitions to the NBA level, his ability to protect the rim, shooting touch, and playmaking will help make an immediate impact whenever he is on the floor.

Despite missing out on the much better-fitting Cade Cunningham in the Draft, Cleveland still managed to strike gold with the 20-year-old Mobley, a prospect widely viewed to be generational talent just as worthy of the top selection in any other class.

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