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5 biggest threats to Evan Mobley’s Rookie of the Year award hopes

By Chad Porto

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 07: Evan Mobley # 4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers grabs a rebound during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 07, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Soobum Im/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 07: Evan Mobley # 4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers grabs a rebound during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 07, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Soobum Im/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 05: Jalen Green #0 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 05, 2022, in Washington, DC. 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 G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 05: Jalen Green #0 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 05, 2022, in Washington, DC. 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 G Fiume/Getty Images) /

5. Jalen Green – Houston Rockets

Club Record: 11-29

Jalen Green was the second-overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, going right ahead of Evan Mobley. Like with others in this draft, the Rockets’ Green has been anything but a game-changer. His nights of domination are few and far between and he’s not been as impressive as others in his draft class so far. He’s averaging 30.4 minutes per game while shooting 40% from the floor, 32.7% from three-point, 15.5 points, three rebounds, and two assists per game, in 25 games (all starts).

He’s not as efficient as those taking around him, as his RAPTOR scores are rough. His offensive RAPTOR is at -3.7 and his defensive RAPTOR is at -4.4.

Why he’s a candidate

He’s putting up 15 points, and he’s playing good minutes, but he’s not. He’s the baseline for what constitutes an “impressive rookie”, meaning if they have better stats than him they’re pretty much a candidate. Alperen Sengun would be a better candidate if he had more minutes to his name.

Why he’s not

To be the Rookie of the Year, you have to be an impactful player and to simplify it even further, you have to be the best performing rookie. Green has been neither for the Rockets. There may be buyer’s remorse here. He may turn into an Anthony Edwards, who has a nice sophomore season but he’s not impacting games like Evan Mobley.

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