CLEVELAND, Ohio — When it comes to the July 29 NBA Draft, the national media have some idea at the top of the first round.
The Detroit Pistons will take combo guard Cade Cunningham (almost certainly). The Houston Rockets — having rejected the big man over years of chasing Golden State, might well want the multitalented 7-footer Evan Mobley and his inside/outside game (or maybe a James Harden replacement in the G-League’s Jalen Green).
Which brings us to the Cavaliers, where quasi-consensus takes a hike.
There’s Mobley/Green — whichever slips past the Rockets, Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs, Florida State wing Scottie Barnes and perhaps wing Johnathan Kuminga from the G-League. Last Thursday, Barnes interviewed with Cleveland’s front office. Staff attended Kuminga’s pro day last weekend and were rumored to have met with Duke wing Jalen Johnson.
To all of that, the experts are saying … any of the above? Here’s a little of what they are saying a month from the first round.
Evan Mobley, F, USC
It’s pretty easy to see how Evan Mobley carries unique talents into the NBA for his future employer. (Associated Press)
Kelsey Russo, The Athletic: “Mobley can both defend and create his own shots. He passes the ball well, a big point of emphasis all last season for Cleveland, and he’s able to handle the ball comfortably. The USC product can block shots, protect the rim or be a switch defender on the perimeter. Mobley has shown the ability to space the floor and his agility allows him to get around other bigs. His 7-foot-5 wingspan, paired with his instincts, makes him a pest for opposing players.”
Jonathan Givony, ESPN: “The Cavs are fairly well stocked in the backcourt and will surely be happy to add the most talented big man in the draft to anchor their defense and give them intriguing offensive versatility to build around long term. Mobley’s mobility, perimeter skill and defensive versatility give him All-Star potential, and his selfless style of play will make him easy to integrate into many different lineup configurations — including those with young big man Jarrett Allen — as his lanky frame fills out.”
Luke Read, Complex Sports: “Mobley has a rare blend of size, length, athleticism, and skill for a 7-footer. Defensive versatility is where Mobley currently hangs his hat. Between his elite shot blocking ability, quick feet to mirror guards on the perimeter, and the dexterity to defend the pick and roll, he projects as a high-level defender almost immediately. Pairing his defensive prowess with intriguing potential on offense, this feels like the floor for Mobley. Not many guys at his size are able to grab a rebound and lead the break down the court, make the right passes, and hit the offensive board. How far his offense and shot making comes around will be the difference between a very good player and perennial All-Star.”
Jalen Green, G, G League Ignite
Matt Goul, cleveland.com: “If Green is the pick, the Cavs will get a motivated and explosive player on the wing a year after they strengthened that area with the selection of Isaac Okoro. Green wrote in a deleted tweet from early May that he would receive more consideration for the No. 1 pick had he gone to college instead of entering the G League.
Regardless of who the Cavaliers wind up with, whether it’s Mobley, Green or Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs, the Cavaliers could make the biggest addition to their core.”
Sam Vecenie, The Athletic: “The Cavaliers have a tendency to take the best player available, regardless of fit on the roster. Green is the player I get more often than any when asking who the third-best player is in the class behind Mobley and Cunningham. Pairing him in the backcourt with Darius Garland would be absolutely spectacular, as the duo’s combination of creativity would absolutely pose enormous problems for any other team.”
Colin Ward-Henninger, CBS Sports: “Green is perhaps the most predictable prospect in the draft in the sense that you know pretty much exactly what you’re getting. He’s a superior athlete who’s been a prolific scorer at every level at which he’s ever played. Mobley might be a better fit given the Cavs’ existing backcourt of Darius Garland and Collin Sexton, but if he’s gone then there’s no reason that Green, at 6-5, couldn’t slot alongside both of them in the modern NBA.”
Jalen Suggs, PG, Gonzaga
Jalen Suggs displayed his clutch talent by hitting this long-range jumper to defeat UCLA in last spring’s national semifinal. AP
Johnathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: “The Cleveland Cavaliers will have some roster juggling to do after drafting Jalen Suggs, considering they already have a pair of ball-handlers in Darius Garland and Collin Sexton. But Cleveland can’t afford to pass on Suggs’ superior passing, defense and intangibles. Aside from his burst with the ball, playmaking and pull-up/floater game, he brings energy and competitiveness that could help strengthen the Cavaliers’ identity.”
Scottie Barnes, G, Florida State
Florida State guard Scottie Barnes offers defensive skills and undying effort to his pro team.AP
Chris Fedor, cleveland.com: “Perhaps more of a longshot, Barnes — a feisty, defensive-minded 6-foot-9 forward with a still-developing outside shot — will receive consideration at No. 3, sources say.”
More Cavaliers coverage
Would drafting Evan Mobley change plans with Jarrett Allen?
Jalen Suggs scouting report: What he’ll bring to the league
In make-or-break offseason, all options must be considered: Fedor
Altman, Gansey attend Kuminga workout, will host him next month
Does it make sense to trade Collin Sexton? Pluto
Jalen Green scouting report: What he’ll bring to the league
Cavaliers interview FSU’S Barnes, will expand draft search
What should be done with the No. 3 pick? Podcast
Draft Suggs? Trade Allen? What about Mobley? Pluto
Cavaliers in ‘valuable’ draft position, with no wrong answer: Fedor
