Mobley was billed as a rare prospect due to his combination of defensive versatility, ball-handling for a player his size, and offensive potential. Alongside Jarrett Allen and Lauri Markkanen in an ultra-big lineup, Mobley has been a transformational piece for Cleveland.
The Cavs look like a team that could contend for a playoff spot this season, and Mobley being able to defend point guards and centers while flashing plus interior finishing on the other end is a huge reason why. If anyone in Cleveland had doubts about this pick, they are long gone.
NBA Rookie Ladder: Evan Mobley is slightly behind Scottie Barnes.
Mobley has been pretty impressive as he starts his career in the NBA, but given how Barnes has a very slight rebounding and scoring edge, he’ll get the top spot on this list for now. For someone who was advertised as a raw offensive player coming out of college, Barnes has managed to become a solid role player.
Barnes’ transformation from offensive question mark to two-way stud who has often been Toronto’s best player in a given game has been fun to watch. With Nick Nurse coaching him up, Barnes’ ceiling is only going to keep improving.