The Cleveland Cavaliers may not be competing for a title this season, but they are sure to be a powerful force in the East. With Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Jarrett Allen, the Cavs have a pretty talented core of young stars that should keep them relevant for years to come.
Of course, it will be Evan Mobley, who the world watches the most. As a strong and athletic 7-footer, he is being seen as the franchise’s next big player in the eyes of many fans and is being asked to manage expectations that have outgrown his game.
Evan Mobley Reacts To Kevin Garnett Comparisons
On Tuesday, during a chat with the media, the Cleveland big man spoke candidly about the season ahead and some of the comparisons that have been made about his game.
(via The Athletic’s Joe Vardon):
There have been comparisons made of Mobley, who has one pro season and averages of 15.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks under his belt, to Kevin Garnett, who is a member of the 2020 class of the Naismith Hall of Fame. Mobley even mentioned Garnett’s name himself during his Monday availability. Afterward, Mobley told me: “I think it’s a pretty good comparison.”
“I try not to compare myself to anybody for real though, because I am my own player,” Mobley said. “I think it’s a good comparison, as well as to every other player that has my same physique.”
And when I mentioned to Mobley that Garnett was, in fact, a Hall of Famer, he smiled wide and said, “Yeah, I mean, yeah, he is a great player as well, so I think it’s a pretty good comparison.”
Garnett was 20 during his second pro season in 1996-97, whereas Mobley will be a year older. Garnett was not a full-time starter for his entire rookie year with Minnesota, like Mobley was in Cleveland.
In 69 games for the Cavs last season, Mobley averaged 15 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game on 50.8% shooting.
This season, the expectations are even higher for Mobley and the Cavs, who will be joined by Donovan Mitchell. Between his arrival, and the combined talents of Mobley, Garland, and Allen, the Cavs are poised to have a breakout campaign.
Regarding Mobley,s comparisons to Kevin Garnett, it’s still far too early to start having that conversation, but the sky is the limit for this kid if he keeps working to develop his already amazing skill set.
