Toronto Raptors draft: Ranking the top 4 prospects and their fit

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 30: Evan Mobley #4 of the USC Trojans dribbles against Drew Timme #2 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half in the Elite Eight round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 30, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

3. Evan Mobley, C, USC

The best big in the draft, Mobley is a dream scenario for Raptors fans. Standing at 7-0 and 215 pounds, Mobley’s potential as a prospect is through the roof, some even calling him the NBA’s next “unicorn”.

Mobley is exactly what NBA teams dream of when drawing up the perfect modern-day center. In his lone season at USC, he’s shown that he can do it all on both ends of the floor. For the Raptors, Mobley would arguably be the best fit out of any prospect right now due to the lackluster play at center this season.

Toronto Raptors draft: Evan Mobley is a rare talent at center

Mobley has aspects to his game that most centers these days don’t have. Due to his lengthy frame, Mobley relies on his finesse on the offensive end. He’s shown the ability to handle the ball and can also be relied on to make the tough passes, something you just don’t see from centers these days.

Mobley’s athleticism makes him an incredible lob threat, something the Raptors have used a lot more since adding a physical center in Birch. The Raptors also love using the pick-and-pop when their centers were capable shooters.

Mobley has shown promise in that area, where he shot 30% from behind the arc last season. He’s going to need to improve that percentage at the next level, but he has a smooth-looking jumper that should only get better as he gains more experience.

On the defensive end, Mobley is incredible. His 7-foot-4 wingspan makes him an elite shot-blocker, where he averaged 2.9 blocks per game. Not many centers have the ability to guard the perimeter, but Mobley is not your typical center.

His lengthy frame allows him to guard the perimeter at a good level. He’s able to switch onto smaller guards and his quick feet ensure he won’t get blown by unlike other bigs.

Mobley has tremendous upside, but his skinny frame has scouts wondering if his game can translate to the NBA. He needs to add weight to be able to defend centers like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic on a nightly basis. Adding weight would be a tough task considering most of his game relies on his finesse.