The best defensive rookie this century? | Evan Mobley

Evan Mobley is a contender for Rookie of the Year in 2022. What makes this Cleveland star so good? What are his strengths and weaknesses right now? How can he improve? And how good could he be in the future? This detailed film breakdown & scouting report analyzes the Cavaliers big man while incorporating analytics & stats to assess his impact.
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Book: www.amazon.com/Thinking-Baske...
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Website: www.backpicks.com
Twitter: @elgee35
Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
www.pbpstats.com @bballport
www.basketball-reference.com
stats.nba.com
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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Music by Nemesis
#ThinkingBasketball

[@onlyhoops3435]

The stuff he's shown on defense as a rookie is genuinely mind-blowing and insane. He's one of the, if not the biggest reason why the Cavs have been able to throw out three 7-footers. Truly a special defender (I also make content, I'd appreciate if you checked it out!)

[@dusk6159]

He's already a treat for the eyes, but having the blessing of Mobley's work commentated and MASTERFULLY broke down, like nobody else can even try to or care for, by Ben Taylor is a special basketball feast. The defense and a analysis of this video were enjoyable as hell.

[@kitsumig8373]

He’s good but just not better than Scottie

[@jujuonthatqueef5043]

@@kitsumig8373bro Scottie doesn’t even come close. I know you Canadians are praying for once in your sorry franchises history to have an actual Canadian lead them to something but it’ll never happen Your two franchise legends are American. You ain’t shit without us my friend

[@kitsumig8373]

@@jujuonthatqueef5043 LMAOOOO bruh Cavs are going nowhere they won’t even make the playoffs you’re not telling me Garland is better than Siakam😂😂😂

[@jujuonthatqueef5043]

@@kitsumig8373 bro what do garland or siakim have to do with it. You laughing like we haven’t face fucked your bum ass Franchise the entire 2010’s 💀. Lebronto…

[@joenichols3901]

I've watched every Cavs game this year. He does this every single game - even when he's been playing center when he's really a PF

[@lostnemesis]

His defensive impact is insane there's a reason you've had people compare him to Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett coming into the league just off of his defensive impact of his rookie year.

[@dusk6159]

We're set, with our new and next great defensive big of the league. Mobley will be basketball treat for years to come, I wonder if any superstar will ever be paired with his defense and probable superstar-self future.

[@kitsumig8373]

Scottie is better

[@ripthebun9494]

@@kitsumig8373 I agree but it's crazy close, love this rookie class

[@kitsumig8373]

@@ripthebun9494 It is but Scottie all around is the better player, Scottie can defend on the same level as Mobley if not all around defender Scottie is better, offense that’s not even a question Scottie better he creates 70% of his own shot where as Mobley gets assisted 70% of his points, Playmaking Scottie has potential to be the next Magic, Scottie the main reason raps 5th seed rn cause OG and FVV out rn we shouldn’t even be winning but Scottie is just that big of a difference therefore he should win Roty

[@lifeonthelake4367]

@@kitsumig8373 Scottie can not defend as good as mobley

[@shun8733]

You gotta do one on herb jones , he is guarding the best players on every team night in and out . But Evan is a great defender as well

[@TheMissinLink]

Ben has raved about Herb multiple times on his pod. I’m sure he’ll get some sort of coverage here soon.

[@DaPhenomAce]

He's had a great rookie year. As a Cavs fan I hope to see his growth for years to come! 😁

[@adriandantedanosos4146]

The next Kevin Garnett. You guys will be top 5 defense for Years to come

[@FatMaverick]

Best defensive rookie so far was Anthony Bennett. He had as many blocks as points in his first 24 career games.

[@aldenbuckets6730]

That’s a violation 😂

[@dariusgoatland10]

Is that true?

[@dearmas9068]

@@dariusgoatland10 yeah but it was like... 8..

[@scorpio1991michael]

🐐 comment

[@d4ch33kcl4pp3r]

You didn't have to kill him chief 💀

[@BWalker9313]

The Kevin Garnett comparisons are real, this kid has the potential to be really special. He's still gonna grow to, put on some more size and improve his offensive game. Scary

[@Hieiman]

Yeah they're real silly on offense at least... He has nowhere close to the offensive skillset of Garnett.... Even a young KG.

[@erikskelton6597]

This is a great video to show the "they don't play defense in the NBA" or "Defense was better in xxx's era" crowds.

[@DynamicAero]

Mobley reminds me the most of KG: a tall, lanky, shotblocking big who can clog the paint and also abuse wings on the perimeter with length and agility. I just looked it up, and KG's wingspan is 7'5: exactly the same as Evan Mobley's. I don't know if Ben mentions this in the video (I'm only 3 minutes in), so if he makes the comparison I'm going to scream.

[@demhipyoungsters]

I definitely could be remembering wrong but I think he made the comparison on his podcast a few weeks ago!

[@dearmas9068]

That comparison has been pretty common place, yeah. KLove said it in an interview with JJ Reddick. There has been some Tim Duncan comparisons as well

[@seancorcoran6394]

What a draft class. Each one of these guys are going to be special.

[@tajraleigh2278]

Young Tim Duncan. He has that feel for the game and 2way impact that doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet 💯

[@yahalyulmer2912]

Waited patiently for this. It's beautiful

[@ballheroic]

Great video bro . You always satisfy me with these vids 🔥🤘🏾

[@rayzrealm]

*His speed and agility on both ends is uncanny. However, his least talked about attribute is his strength. Especially for a man with his frame. **#FutureMVP*

[@jake368]

Great start to Sunday morning

[@rohankamat3477]

Great video Ben! Definitely agree with the title

[@fhjunior6183]

Thanks for the vid

[@adamfarrell9369]

Precious on Embiid and Scottie on Harden…. These young kids are getting put right into the fire. Should be an entertaining series.

[@_camy_]

I just discovered your channel from another person in a different KZbin section of comments and came to check you out and they were correct you did not disappoint whatsoever this is exactly the basketball content that I’ve been craving for keep it up my guy

[@harpsw3390]

You talked a lot about the offensive two, defensive one in your greatest peaks series a lot. Mobley seems like a future fit in that role.

[@Arondarealist1]

Brilliant stuff such a great knowledgeable channel 🇬🇧

[@calebwilson9892]

Even though 3:19 ended in a score, it has to be a scary sight having Jarrett Allen AND Mobley contesting your shot at the rim. The future of this team is so bright they just need one more consistent scorer to be a legit team going forward. Losing Rubio really hurt them but I think they could pick up someone even better this off season.

[@redx453]

Great vid as always! Go Cavs! Go Mobley!

[@theacelestino4709]

Without watching it yet, I just wanna thank you for giving attention to the top rookies this year. Coach Nick, take notes.

[@mr.brooks6106]

Do a video on Herb Jones please and thanks.

[@sammyttheg412]

Cavs fans get to watch mobley garland pick and roles for years to come!

[@elibelly9373]

Thanks for the great content as always Ben

[@moo422]

Thanks for the great look at Mobley. Wasn't very aware of his game before this video, he's a spectacular defender, wow.

[@lewiswilson2252]

I've been waiting for this video in particular for so long. Did not disappoint. This kis is the real deal.

[@jellebetten7036]

great vid! Kuminga next?

[@celinedurand6216]

The way he moves his feet is so impressive

[@clevisbernier8973]

I think this is the greatest rookie class in history.

[@onlyrog5]

🤣

[@clevisbernier8973]

@@onlyrog5 You'll see... You'll all see!

[@christopherhaddad8841]

This one is definitely up there. Only time will tell

[@GodofDisco]

@@clevisbernier8973 I'll bet you $100,000 it isn''t. 1996, Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen, Stephon Marbury, Kerry Kittles, Steve Nash, Antoine Walker, Derek Fisher, Peja Stokavich, Ben Wallace, Jermaine O'neal. That's like 8 guys that averaged 20+ in the 90s, over 60 all star appearances, 4 MVPs, one of the greatest if not the greatest defender of all time, tons of deep playoff runs, double digit championships, and multiple goat level athletes.

[@amaimon8031]

@@GodofDisco You will see it too.

[@arbazjaswal9843]

I see bits of Hakeem in him as a defender. Can protect the rim and easily guard wings and has a great technique on the defensive side. It’s his scoring that holds him back but as rookie he’s shown great bits of offensive value as a good passer even though he’s reactive. He’s only going to be better with time and he can improve a lot. Those shooting % are going to get better and a better shot selection can also help a lot. I’m not saying it’s bad but the opportunities he will have and explore will only come through experience. He’s going to be a beast in his prime. Also, the rookies of last few draft classes have shown great signs and it’ll be great to see all of them in their prime. I think the NBA is going to change from 2,3 players dominating the game like LeBron and Steph to about 8-9 people having a chance at being the MVP every year.

[@louie8969]

I love that the Cavs chose the best prospect on their pick and not listen to the critics

[@localbizevolv]

His lateral movement as a center is amazing!

[@dusk6159]

We finally have our KG or prime TD.

[@bob_WRLD]

He’s a power forward my guy

[@denzelwenzel]

@@bob_WRLD Can you define a power foward? What specifically makes him a power foward? If he werent able to straight up stay with wings and guards, and werent playing with a traditional center. I can almost promise you he would play center!

[@user-jw9rn4lt4y]

@@denzelwenzel power forwards are usually more versatile. the fact that mobley is too skinny to start at center and is very agile makes him perfect for being a PF.

[@Noob-ll8rq]

Despite his defense, Allen being out just goes to show just how crucial he is to the team. The Cavs have one of the worst defenses without Allen (even with Mobley) which means a lot considering Mobley's defense. His defense is the main reason he's even in the ROTY conversation, and in my personal opinion I DON'T think he should win it (don't bash me please) but I definitely think he should win multiple DPOTYs, all-defensive teams almost every season he plays, and he'll hopefully achieve much more if all goes well

[@jeofffrancisjayme7145]

Lesss go evan mobley my fav rookie!!!

[@2Shainzz]

Mobley reminds me of KG, very excited to see how his career progresses

[@awesomedad7171]

He shoots like KG too.

[@mzr7649]

Already showing DPOY caliber defense as a rookie, it's gonna be fun to watch him improve even more at that end, he hasn't even reached his defensive peak. Gonna be fun to watch him learn more things and grow in this league.

[@hoalanho]

Barnes leads in all advanced statistics (offensive rating, net rating, win shares, etc.) And he does it with lower usage rate. AND the raptors have the better record

[@alexescutia4805]

Good for him

[@ChroniclerOfJudah]

He reminds me of Garnett on defense and Duncan on offense…not saying he is or will be either of those guys but that the skeleton he has the chance to fill

[@whateverreally1347]

I don't see any Duncan similarity on offense at all.

[@t4d0W]

@@whateverreally1347 I think he may be pointing to Mobley's insistence of his post game. But Duncan def was stronger coming out of college which let him get his easily on post ups. Whereas Mobley has to finesse a bit and has a working bread and butter hook shot.

[@matthewmullins4046]

@@t4d0W he's also facing up like a young KG

[@pplRretards]

No his style is 100% KG defensively and offensively but he's more Tim Duncan personality then he is KG smh never saw Duncan shooting fadeaway 15 ft jumpers from a shimmy on the baseline lol that's 100% KG! KGs low post footwork is criminally underrated!

[@SilentRock396]

He looks like a young KG on defense and with his overall game. The sky is the limit

[@yeungeddie]

You're UNDERRATED

[@Far-East-Beast]

Dope to see the GOAT @2:30

[@gp6676]

My prayers have been answered

[@ryangranger5204]

This dude is what the Warriors wanted James Wiseman to be

[@SeanyMacKTA]

Once healthy wiseman has even more potential

[@alexescutia4805]

@@SeanyMacKTA arguable

[@jujuonthatqueef5043]

@@SeanyMacKTA warrior and raptor fans are possibly the most mentally challenged fan bases in the league. Wiseman will toil away in the g league forever. Your light skin dynasty is over time to pack up the bandwagon

[@nolanrussell6326]

@@SeanyMacKTA Wiseman's defense is awful

[@jujuonthatqueef5043]

@@nolanrussell6326 don’t bother dude everyone knows warrior fans are 13 year olds. That dude is currently spilling capri sun on his homework

[@dearmas9068]

Im surprised you didnt mention his nearly unguardable elbow jumper. Or his quick hands when the smaller players hesitate with the ball. Or his pure athleticism. That Dr. J move against the Wiz earlier this year was unbelievable.

[@Hieiman]

Unguardable elbow jumper? LOL 😂 No

[@dearmas9068]

@@Hieiman you dont watch, do ya? Its OK. You can admit it.

[@evanf2711]

@@dearmas9068 defenders can guard his pull up jumper by doing nothing... Evan mobley can't shoot at all outside 8 feet

[@dearmas9068]

@@evanf2711 it's true that his stroke needs a little work, but that will come. The point is that he releases it clean with space every single time and theres nothing anyone can do about it. I find it frustrating that people need this explained to them...

[@seinfan9]

This is where big men are also going to need to evolve. They're developing range to stay relevant offensively, but they also need to be quick on defense to challenge the guards. Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell were so far beyond their time with their athleticism and defensive prowess. It amazes me that the NBA got away from this for a couple of decades.

[@MrEazyze]

Can we get a thinking basketball on the impact dennis rodman had with his defense and rebounding? Ben wallace would be cool too

[@DonNorway]

Allen, Garland, Mobley - I hope the Cavs can manage to keep them all

[@pkmk3010]

Agreed! I'm not a cavs fan but I'm excited for their future

[@dearmas9068]

And Okoro believe it or not. Cavs are going to be a powerhouse

[@t4d0W]

Has a blueprint of a perennial top 10/5 defensive squad. For them to crack the ECF however, they will need a bonafide shot creator.

[@AdolphSaxOfficial]

Just stay farrrrr away from Lebron. Every time he leaves, it's rebuild city

[@Martialstony]

My fav young player

[@bobafil25]

Mobley and Allen might give us the most feared defensive front court in the league for the next decade

[@sibowang8826]

That Bruce Lee clip was just chef's kiss. I feel like I'm on KZbin premium every time I watch these videos.

[@samuelyuan291]

All three vids on the rookies have "Rookie of the year?" on the title. Crazy rookie class 🥴

[@shabazz360]

You lookin at the wrong shit my man

[@kingdinodragonite3470]

It’s about making a case for each rookie. Us viewers at the end of the day have preferences.

[@ZeroCool2310]

Its insane that we went almost 25 season without a rookie making all defense yet this year we got both Mobley and Herb Jones being very strong candidates (tho the forwards position being stacked means both will probably be screwed out of it)

[@mjcaoagas68]

Finishing out the regular season with Rookie analysis videos, i love it!

[@mjcaoagas68]

Also that freeze frame of Mobley's back foot being at the FT line, and still being able to block Herro's shot is insane

[@vietnam1978]

His voice definitely doesn’t sound like I expected

[@Thedude897]

Terrence Ross shouted your channel out on his podcast

[@cappy2282]

Mobley is fun to watch

[@andysauro1500]

This entire class might go down as the best defensive class of all time. Between Mobley, Barnes, Cade, Wagner, Mitchell. Heck you even see huge promise from Herb Jones and Kuminga as well.

[@Stormtrooper-fv7dr]

Herb is better than Barnes defensively(and any other rookie except Mobley for that matter), but you said he only shows "huge promise"? Be serious, man.

[@andysauro1500]

@@Stormtrooper-fv7dr I say that ONLY because media pumps the hell out of the earlier mentioned names and not the final two.

[@bman54950]

Let’s go!

[@SeanDaRyan]

Scottie Barnes is clearly the ROY

[@jackalga]

Bill Russell mention is spot on. He will be a champion one day. Maybe multiple championships.

[@the518seminole]

I love the ends when you give your cinematic opinion on what the player’s ceiling might be. These videos are amazing

[@nguquaxanguyen5224]

deft has potential to be prime AD (hopefully for longer too) or even, dare i say it, KG

[@lukadahmer8249]

streets need a jalen green video next

[@Patrick-sf8yc]

I definitely didn't expect him to sound like that lol

[@thomasmilner66]

I saw the thumbnail and title but didn't see Herb Jones?

[@Shinobi6407]

Evan Mobley reminds me of a young Kevin Garnett, with his length and athleticism.

[@MK22DeT]

Canada will tell you Scottie is Bill Russell mixed with Magic Johnson. 😂

[@pennyhardaway4]

I mean Magic Johnson said this about him “There’s definitely a lot of ‘Showtime’ in him,” Johnson told Murtz Jaffer of the Toronto Star. “He can do everything on the basketball court much like myself. "He’s big. He’s strong. He’s physical. He can make his teammates better like I was able to do and he’s a matchup nightmare like I was.”

[@EnvyTraxus]

even if his scoring never reaches 25+ pgg, he will be a really good 2nd or third option. his defensive impact is going to be insane, he can really be a swiss army knife on that end and on offense he has a really good handle for a 7 footer and his vision is good. i dont really want to put numbers as projections, but i think he's can easily be like a 22/12/4 with 2 blocks guy

[@ImMeE19]

Shit maybe 5

[@chillspot331]

With what garland is becoming I doubt he needs to become a 25ppg scorer only thing cavs need is maybe a LeBron esque SF to take the ball out of garlands hand and maybe mobley could become that but he's a great player regardless

[@Wooden_iguana14]

@@chillspot331 I think every team could use a “Lebron esque small forward” lol

[@roverjohnson6854]

His Offense can reach an elite level, he just needs to work with Tim Duncan, he has the same build as Tim did his rookie year.

[@chillspot331]

@@Wooden_iguana14 lol yes but that's what Cleveland are missing rn because Bron on the cavs rn would make them a great team but I don't think he has to

[@verward]

bro 15 ppg as a rookie is already impressive.

[@yea9996]

“He’s so long, he could take this shot from behind” 🗿

[@rebeccaramjohn1920]

Evan Mobley and Herb Jones best defensive players from the draft

[@augustosarmentodeoliveira3023]

do a video on Josh Giddey pls

[@TimJorgensen850]

Ben please make a new video on Devin Booker, his offensive game is so polished

[@johnpalcon7570]

Definitely the best defensive rookie this season

[@ethanma1722]

Herb Jones

[@notnigelll]

@@ethanma1722 nah Mobley is still better

[@elibelly9373]

Herb Jones next!

[@HoldZEECheeze]

wake up honey, new thinking basketball video

[@davispo7550]

I listened to last week's podcast. I know the answer to the title is actually Herb Jones

[@joenichols3901]

He's already 7th in the NBA in blocks !

[@DeRM0907]

This draft was one of the only bright spots as a Rockets fan cause I felt like no matter what I'd be happy with who they picked. Hyped up for the Jalen Green video if he gets one. I can't wait to see how Mobley and this Cavs team grows. I think they're one of the best teams to watch and just wonder about what comes next Damn finished the video. One day Jalen will have his day

[@michaelbietsch2864]

imagine if mobley pulls a giannis and packs on 15 pounds of pure muscle. man would be impossible to score on

[@cantripleplays]

Not everyone has giannis genes, also giannis GREW 2 inches aswell, ain’t that big but when you’re growing it’s easier to gain muscle

[@michaelbietsch2864]

@@cantripleplays obviously, but something in that ballpark of 8-12 pounds of muscle is more than achievable with modern diets and whatnot

[@monkeyman1350]

@@michaelbietsch2864 and all the PEDs that these professional athletes take lol

[@elitetv1735]

It’s weird because every advance stat, ppp stats and fg% against star players have all pointed at Barnes being the better defender than Mobley. But watching the game I just don’t see it. I really don’t know what it is.

[@dearmas9068]

Stats add context, but on their own they dont mean as much. The eye test is still valuable.

[@adamfarrell9369]

Yeah its good to look at Scottie’s defensive assignments to put things in better perspective. Will be interesting if the Raps put him on Harden.

[@matthiller7181]

I really love Barnes’ game and he’s a good defender in his own right. But I don’t think Toronto has really used him as the centerpiece of their defense like Cleveland has with Mobley

[@aaronli6476]

the eye test tells you mobley makes perimeter players think twice before going for the layup

[@elitetv1735]

@@aaronli6476 - yeah maybe some of Barnes defensive numbers are better just because players are willing to take shots against Barnes compared to Mobley. While against Mobley there more likely to pass out to another player

[@thallyssouza3162]

We need a video about Jalen Green

[@7413321]

His play style really reminds me of AD

[@RRRRRRRRR33]

This is a good reminder that defense is not only about "effort", this is a misconception. It requires skill and talent to stay solid with the positioning and awareness to respond, you can't teach that, neither "effort" can simulate that

[@rm-rc7zj]

considering age, are you guys taking mobley on your team for his career or AD on your team for the end of his prime?

[@whateverreally1347]

obviously AD. AD does all the stuff Mobley does while being a go-to scorer. It would take a miracle for Mobley to ever be as good as AD is now.

[@ifheavenwashuman]

So, as a small guard, how do you score on guys like this?

[@shastealyomeal]

You don't

[@QA4nAofm0]

Evan Mobility 🔥

[@crablord7934]

Imagine if he had Draymond's mind. Oh wait, we've seen that before.

[@Sardonac]

I'm excited to see how Mobley develops. He's a proper unicorn and was handily a better pick than Green. The Rockets should have traded down.

[@tits1661]

waiting for that jalen vid

[@sterlingparson4278]

and they got jarret, lauri, and kevin too😳

[@ShadowCeltic]

He is my ROTY

[@jotjot2402]

Josh giddey deserves a video

[@janseanmarwyn4703]

Kinda sucks that 3/5 of the Cavs starting lineup is injured, would've loved to see how they would do in the playoffs with such a young core Heck, you could argue that they don't have their best player yet in Sexton and they were still holding up really well Wonder what they'll do with him next year though

[@TheMissinLink]

Sex was good but i don’t see how he would be better than Garland, Allen or Mobley.

[@ronmexico7256]

I don’t think anybody would argue Sexton as their best player even if he was healthy he might be 4th best

[@janseanmarwyn4703]

@@ronmexico7256 You serious? He was averaging 24 points on pretty solid efficiency last year Dropped like 40 against the Nets before getting injured and they were still winning consistently with him on the floor Sure he has some consistency and "ball-hog" issues but there's a reason why he was the team's main ball handler before Darius Garland showed out this year

[@OldSchoolECW]

@@janseanmarwyn4703 Sexton is not even close to being their best player. This is such a horribly off base comment. This season before he got injured, Garland was already outperforming him both in terms of scoring and defense. And from a playmaking standpoint, Sexton doesn’t come close to comparing with Garland, who is very clearly superior in that regard. In fact, Sexton constantly disrupts the offense with his score first mentality, to the point where teammates were getting frustrated with him last season. Just about any team in the league right now would bend over backwards to have Garland. Meanwhile, Sexton would be lucky to still be a starter on a contending team. And then there’s still Allen, who Sexton definitely isn’t better than. And I would take Mobley in a heartbeat over Sexton. So yeah, Sexton is their fourth best player. And that’s me being generous, because I can just as easily argue that Love is superior.

[@OldSchoolECW]

@@janseanmarwyn4703 also what the hell are you talking about? Garland became the main ball handler the moment he got drafted. Sexton was still their number one option offensively, but Garland has always been their main playmaker and ball distributor.

[@adiratia6333]

watching this for free feels like stilling

[@DKtrek21]

I recorded some footage of him for my project as a physical therapist student. What I concluded is that he is very fluid in his movements. His reactions is way too quick for a body like that. His footwork is impeccable that he can be on the front of anhbody he is guarding and then turn around quickly to guard another. Most players above 6 10 cannot move like that and is very uncoordinated. He reminds me of Hakeem so much.

[@softwhiteund3rarm0r]

7ft size, moves like a flash. Amazing athlete.

[@grandpa203]

I’ve seen ppl hype Cade and don’t get me wrong he’s good. But what did Giannis remind us of in the Finals BIGS WHEN CHAMPIONSHIP. You saw how Giannis imposed his will. Don’t let small ball fool you….you still need a legit big to win championships.