Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley has emerged as perhaps the top rookie this season given his ability on both ends of the floor, and one NBA executive recently commended that skill set.
Mobley, through 32 games, is averaging 14.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 blocked shots this season. He currently ranks fourth in points among all rookie players and is first in rebounds and blocks. He is also third in contested shots per game among all players with 12.7.
Given his fast start this season, Mobley has earned some praise from those around the league.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype recently spoke with 17 NBA executives with one weighing in on the Cavaliers’ cornerstone. The front-office member said Mobley has emerged as the top two-way player from last year’s draft class.
“Evan Mobley is the best two-way player from last year’s draft,” the executive told HoopsHype. “He has a maturity about him.”
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Mobley entered the NBA this season highly touted given his ability on both ends of the floor. He established himself as an elite defender in college at USC and that ability has translated to the NBA given his athleticism and ability to guard every position on the floor.
The third pick has proven to be one of the Cavaliers’ anchors in the paint on a defense that ranks third in the NBA. The Cavaliers are even 3.5 points per 100 possessions better on defense when Mobley is on the court, compared to when he is off of the court.
Mobley, who became the fifth player in history with at least 50 assists and 30 blocks over their first 20 games, has the chance to reach some rare air throughout his career given his unique ability as a player who can defend at a high level, dominate in the paint and get others involved.
He is off to a tremendous start this season and a huge reason why the Cavaliers are sixth in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland is night and day better with Mobley on the court and that should only get better as the season progresses.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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