Cleveland Cavaliers Draft Evan Mobley & Trade for Rubio (or, C:tB enjoys the draft)
2021-07-30
With the third pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Evan Mobley from USC. While trade rumors were persistent and ramped up closer to the time of the selection, the Cavs stood pat and selected the talented big man from Southern California (draft profile here).
Sources: Cleveland is selecting Evan Mobley at No. 3.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 30, 2021
With NBA Media leaking the top three of the draft early with phrases like “zeroing in” or “at the top of their board”, the first three picks went as expected. Per Evan Damarell, the best OKC trade offer that came in was #6, #16, and Lu Dort. Given that SGA was not included, Cleveland did not fall into the temptation of asset collection and stood firm in selecting who the organization believes can be a future star player.
Mobley’s presser after being selected, along with GM Koby Altman’s seemed to indicate that the Cavs did not have the opportunity to bring Evan in for an interview or workout and still selected him. However, despite that, his presser was incredible with strong aspirations to be the best Evan Mobley he can be, even with comparisons to elite players like Chris Bosh, Anthony Davis, and even 2021 Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Evan Mobley shared with the media pre-draft that he wants to win multiple championships for the city and the team that drafts him.
He wants to win Rookie of the Year and make All-Star in Cleveland.
He knows the comparisons but he knows he's his own player.
He's special. Truly.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) July 30, 2021
Evan Mobley says his game has been compared to Anthony Davis, Chris Bosh, and Giannis Antetokounmpo and he sees it. But, more than anything, he sees himself as his own player.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) July 30, 2021
Welcome to The Land, @evanmobley! pic.twitter.com/1J4C67NWJS
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) July 30, 2021
Prior to the selection, the Cavs were already involved in the active evening, trading for veteran point guard Ricky Rubio.
League source confirms #Cavs are trading forward Taurean Prince and a 2022 second-round pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves for guard Ricky Rubio and cash. Rubio the likely successor to Matthew Dellavedova, an NBA free agent who signed with Melbourne United.
— Marla Ridenour (@MRidenourABJ) July 29, 2021
Ironically, initial reports were slightly incorrect but Marla’s seems to paint the accurate picture with Cleveland trading one their three 2022 unprotected second round picks and receiving cash (to help offset the difference in expiring contracts). The Cavs knew the third guard/backup point guard was a big need and Rubio fits the bill for both as a maestro passer (career 7.6 apg) and arguably the best defensive player for the team now. Ricky’s fit with Cleveland on paper will be great as he can play with either Sexton/Garland while also maybe (very optimistically) running the second unit with former teammate Kevin Love.
With the Cavs shoring up a big need via trade and draft “the piece” to build around, Cleveland should now shift their focus to free agency, armed with a non-taxpayer MLE (approximately $9M).
Editor’s Note
C:tB was able to make it to the draft party in Cleveland. With great seats right in front of the jumbotron, along with the opportunity to check out the practice court at the Q, Nate and myself enjoyed ourselves in the crazy and wild draft that made us be shocked. My personal favorite moment when Josh Giddey’s selection was announced and Nate stood up and loudly yelled “AUSTRALIAAAAAAA”.
Overall, it was a fun event that the Cavs put together with over 15,000 RSVPs. There were t-shirt throws, free throws on the court, photo ops, and face painting. For an event that was free for most, the Cavs definitely did well to throw something together quickly.
It’s time to unite behind Mobley and hope the rebuild can finally actually commence with the player to build around.
As always, Go Cavs!
2ND BOO FOR THE NON -SIGNING OF “HARD ROCK ‘
Right. Cavs got lucky with a toss in on a trade stepping up his game, and then giving him away for nothing. Screw that. They could at least have extended and maybe do a sign and trade for pick(s).
Male Roller Derby, anyone?
https://deadspin.com/all-they-had-to-do-was-check-clevelandguardians-com-and-1847403859
Not a surprise with the Mobley pick. Sorry to see him go.
I think that is a mistake unless money is too tight.
If they ever reach contender status, Hartenstein, Mobley, and Allen would have been a nice combo.
Agree 100%. Plus, now if something happens to Allen, we do not have a legit stout C to defend guys like Jokic, Embiid, Nurkic, Lopez, Vucevic, Davis, Valacuinas, etc. Love is too short & Mobley & LNJ too skinny.
Now, if Hartenstein was not gonna be happy in that role: 3rd string C unless Allen hurt or we play a legit C, then it is fine to let him walk. But from a purely Cavs fan perspective….BOOOOOO!
Great coverage, guys.
Regarding dealing Sexton, I will back off my earlier statement saying it made no sense for a pick in the teens. That was too harsh on my part.
I just think with Rubio in hand to help him with his problem areas (tunnel vision & defense) AND Mobley, Okoro, LNJ, and most likely Allen around to defend behind Sexland, it is worth another look before we give up on him. Though I remain skeptical it works unless Sexton accepts coming off the bench.
Agree. And Sexton not expecting to get paid like LeBron.
Sexton has some bad attributes, and some very good attributes. As such, he could go either way. He might grow into a really good player. Or he might not. I think he is already a lot better than peak St. Weirdo.
Would have given a lot to be at the party with you and Nate. Love that you are still calling it the Q :)
Tristan Thompson traded to Kings. That will be fun.
Glad we got Mobley, but I want to see moves that build around Mobley, which means getting some damn jump shooters.
I’m worried the draft was a missed opportunity to get one, and trading away Prince was a step backwards in surrounding Mobley with 3pt shooters.
Picks 13-17 is where the shooters all went in the draft: Duarte, Moody, Kispert, Murphy all picked in that range.
in the 2nd round, Jared Butler and Kessler Edwards went in the 40s.
Not sure how the draft was a missed opportunity. The Cavs only had one pick.
There are 100 jump shooters for every dominating big man.
Hopefully the Cavs can start making some noise in 23 or 24. That is the time to fill in the holes.
Trading back/and or buying picks later in the draft. Sexton was a trade chip that could’ve gotten it done.
Would’ve been open to trading Okoro too, but he has no trade value.
Dude, trading Sexton or Okoro so we can get a pick in the teens makes no sense at all. None.
Ice averaged 16 ppg in May and was really coming on as more of a SG. He is going nowhere. If he develops a decent J (big IF), he is a stud.
Sexton is gonna get a chance to prove he can play winning ball before we make a decision on an extension.
Further, Rubio, who is looking pretty good with Spain, is an excellent floor general, still a good defender, and will be an excellent mentor for all our young guards/ball handlers. Plus his existing relationship with Love and ability to feed the post will help the bigs. I love the acquisition. Exquisite passers and mobile two-way bigs are much rarer creatures than shooters. And it isn’t as if Mobley is a Duncan/Shaq/Olajuwon post up threat who is gonna draw doubles. His offense is not at a level where you build around him. And even if it was, the Bucks just won… Read more »
“His offense is not at a level where you build around him”
Then why the hell did they draft him? They drafted him BECAUSE of the rarity of his offensive skillset. He’s a franchise prospect, they better be building the offense around his unique skillset or Mobley will go somewhere they will give him the ball and surround him with shooters LMFAOOOO
If I’m Mobley, and the coach is trotting out Sexton, Okoro, and Allen with me opening night, I’d be pissed. I disagree that it doesn’t make sense. Okoro can’t shoot, and expecting him to improve to the level of a good shooter is unfair to him. Sexton’s usage needs to go to Mobley if Mobley’s going to develop into a franchise player. And Giannis was surrounded by shooting…. Lopez, Middleton, Holiday, Connaughton all are considered shooters regardless of the jokes about them during the playoffs. Forbes was only unplayable in the Finals, prior to that, he was one of the… Read more »
I have to admit he wasn’t my initial pick but here we are.
Ready to hop on Mobley let’s go!!!!!
He’ll probably be pretty non helpful as a rookie, but I am so ready. He will be one of the most interesting rookies if nothing else.
Yeah, big men generally takes longer time compared to guards and wings.
His future position is a power forward I think and he’s being compared to AD and Bosh which is fine. But he has more handles and shooting outside that I think his ceiling could be a longer range Kevin Garnett. Either way I hope we got a great one.
hope he’s ready to shoot this season!
👏👏👏
Anyone know the status of the Hard Rock? Is he, or can he still be, extended?
The Cavs can give him an RFA offer that’s cheap and gives them the right to match.
Don’t know when the deadline is for that.
Third string PG. Let Rubio teach him.
NBA gonna do a 75 Greatest for 75th anniversary.
Gimmies (32).
PG: Magic, Oscar, Isiah, Cousy, Curry, Stockton.
SG: MJ, Kobe, West, Wade, Gervin.
SF: LeBron, Brid, Dr J, Baylor, Havlicek, KD, Barry
PF: Duncan, Mailman, Pettit, Barkley, Dirk, KG
C: Kareem, Russell, Wilt, Mikan, Shaq, Dream, Moses, Admiral.
Near Locks (12).
PG: Frazier, Nash, Kidd
SG: Drexler, Sam Jones, AI
SF: Pippen
PF: McHale, Elvin Hayes
C: Ewing, W. Reed, Cowens
In contention (42).
PG: CP3, Russ, Payton, Tiny, Wilkens, Parker, Davies, Bing, Murphy.
SG: Harden, Allen, Miller, Manu, Maravich, Skywalker, Klay, Monroe, Dumars, McGrady.
SF: Worthy, Nique, Arizin, Kawhi, Dantley, English, R. Brown.
PF: Schayes, Lucas, Giannis, Pau, Rodman, Hawkins, Fulks, Issel, DeBusherre.
C: Walton, Parish, N. Johnston, Thurmond, Gillmore, M. Daniels, McAdoo.
NBA likely won’t consider the ABA guys.
Might move Admiral and maybe Isiah down one notch. And maybe some more early guys.
For reference, NBA Silver Anniversary Team (1971). Had to be retired, sorted by position & votes received:
C: Russell, Mikan
G: Cousy, Sharman; Davies, S. Jones
F: Pettit, Schayes, Arizin, Fulks
Coach: Red Auerbach
Nominees: (all in HOF save last 2)
C: Macauley, Johnston, Stokes
F: Heinsohn, Yardley, Pollard, Mikkelsen, Gola, Gallatin.
G: Martin, Guerin, McGuire, Wanzer, Feerick, Zaslofsky.
35th Anniversary (1981):
C: Russell, Wilt, Mikan, Kareem
F: Pettit, Baylor, Dr. J, Havlicek (G/F)
G: Cousy, Oscar, West
Coach: Auerbach
Greatest Team: 1966-67 76ers.
Greatest Player: Russell
50th Anniversary Team (1996-97) (50):
C: Kareem, Russell, Wilt, Shaq, Mikan, Dream, Moses, Cowens, Admiral, Reed, Ewing, Walton, Thurmond, Unseld, Parish.
F: Bird, Dr. J, Pettit, Mailman, Baylor, Havlicek, Barkley, Barry, Hayes, Arizin, McHale, Pippen, Schayes, Worthy, Lucas, Cunningham, DeBusschere.
G: MJ, Magic, Oscar, West, Cousy, Isiah, Stockton, Drexler, Frazier, Gervin, S. Jones, Sharman, Maravich, Monroe, Wilkens, Archibald, Greer, Bing.
50th Anniversary top 10 teams (chrono order).
Record. HOF Players/50th. Coach.
1. 1964-65 Celtics. 62-18. 5/3. Auerbach.
2. 1966-67 76ers. 68-13. 4/3. Hannum.
3. 1969-70 Knicks. 60-22. 4/3. Holzman
4. 1971-72 Lakers. 69-13. 4/3. Sharman
5. 1982-83 76ers. 65-17. 4/2. Cunningham.
6. 1985-86 Celtics. 67-15. 5/4. KC Jones.
7. 1986-87 Lakers. 65-17. 3/3. Riley.
8. 1988-89 Pistons. 63-19. 4/1. Daly.
9. 1991-92 Bulls. 67-15. 2/2. Jackson.
10. 1995-96 Bulls. 72-10. 4/2. Jackson.
I’d add one of Mikan’s Laker teams, a Russell/Cousy Celtics iteration, the 1971 Bucks, 2000 Lakers, 2017 Dubs, 2014 Spurs, and a LeBron Heatles squad to the mix.
Greatest of the Latest + Best of the Rest
F: LeBron, Duncan, KD, Dirk, KG, Kawhi, Giannis, Dominique, Pierce, Bosh, Pau, Dantley, English.
G: Kobe, Curry, Wade, Nash, AI, Kidd, CP3, Payton, Harden, Russ, Allen, Miller, Dumars.
C: Jokic, Macauley, Johnston, McAdoo, Lanier.
No way Love should start. LNJ or Mobley.
Great to a get a top tier talent in Mobley. I think people need to have expectations that Kevin Love is now on the downslope. Being ready to put him on the second unit with Rubio seems like a good plan to me.
probably a long shot, but if Rubio can make a second unit with Sexton and Love work, ….
Yep. Would have loved a trade up to late first or early second for Springer or Butler, but with Rubio here it was not nearly as pressing.
There was no way we were going to fill all our holes in one swoop. But we did, hopefully, fill several. Getting a franchise level, two-way player who is versatile (Mobley). Rubio fills the backup PG role. Both are good on D and good passers, both areas that needed improvement.
We still need size on the wing and more shooting. Make or break for Windler & Cedi. We still need to ink Allen. Hartenstein would also be nice. Gotta use the MLE for a wing/combo forward type. Right?
And I’d note we did not do anything dumb. We did not trade LNJ. Nor jettison Sexton for peanuts. Or pay someone to take Love. Heck, we reunited him with Rubio.
agree. getting Rubio is a plus under any circumstances that none of us saw coming. There is a reasonable chance it will help Love get back on track, which would be a huge bonus. If that happens, Buck will be starting a Koby fanclub!
As Charlie E said, Love should not be starting. Older players usually have good and bad days. When Love is having a good day, keep him in. But they have to keep his total minutes down so he is not hurt all the time.
I wonder what the odds are that Dylan WIndler can fill some of this need (Shooting / Perimeter size). The few games I watched him play he looked overmatched for the speed. Time to write him off?
Probably a long shot at this point. But who knows.
I do hope we can resign the Hard Rock
I think he is too slow for a 2 guard. He needs to play the 3 or even small ball 4. Pretty decent rebounder.
He should be used how we tried to use Cedi (as a 3/4) and Cedi should be more if a 2/3.
i think toothpick is toast.. don’t hold your breath on the kolby fanclub..
If ever there was assurance the Cavs made the right pick, Pluto has an article up on the PD that he would have taken Suggs, but Mobley is “ok”. Take the opposite side of absolutely any opinion that old mothball dribbles out and you’ve got yourself a surefire bet.
HaHa! I like Terry, but his opinions are iffy. I have been reading him since I was a kid, and I am older than dirt, so he must be ancient.
On the other hand, I think that after the Cavs drafted Dion Waiters, Pluto said he would have preferred Lillard. He got that one right.
Yeah I read him for forever too, until I started noticing what I describe above wasn’t just an every once in a while thing… his batting average was next to 0. Hat tip to him though, he’s made a career off of it.
No arguments on Lillard, lol.
Any news about picking u guys that didn’t get drafted?
not that i know of.
Interesting comment from Koby that they drafted Mobley in spite of not being able to meet him pre-draft. Glad they didn’t make the same mistake as they did with SGA.
I’d surmise that the Cavs were open to trading down because they couldn’t meet with Mobley, but if the recent OKC rumor is true (non-SGA trade up), then the offers must’ve been crap.
Should’ve mentioned, h/t Fedor for asking and following up on that.
I don’t think Mobley met/ worked out with any teams pre-draft. Kind of unusual.
he supposedly met with Detroit according to Koby iirc.
that has been known to turn out bad
Good work to everyone on the blog last night for collectively willing the right pick to happen!
FUN NIGHT LAST NIGHT —-MOST OF ALL WAS MY CONCERN FOR BUCKAROO IF “KOBY DOLL ‘ DIDN’T DRAFT MOBLEY // HAD 911 ON SPEED DIAL —-ALOT OF INTANGIBLES GO IN DRAFTING—ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU DRAFT TOP 3 —WOULDN’T HAVE MINDED IF GREEN WOULD HAVE BEEN THERE AT 3 BUT ACTUALLY AM HAPPIER THAT WE LANDED MOBLEY —HIS PHYSICAL ABILITIES ARE OBVIOUS BUT REALLY BELIEVE HE IS A VERY INTELLIGENT BASKETBALL PLAYER// PERSON // POSITIVE LOCKER ROOM PRESENCE AND WILL BE A VERY POSITIVE INFLUENCE IN THE CLEVELAND/ NORTHEAST COMMUNITY ——CAN’T WAIT FOR SUMMER LEAGUE TO START—-AS OF RIGHT NOW —DON’T THINK… Read more »
NOMAD bro.. i was wearing a pair of depends last night.. just in case
Solid start so far – still looking to see who else they can get in free agency or other various trades. They need more shooters and better ones and still think they need another another vet in addition to Rubio.
A lot of the top guys were really hyped up, be interesting to see how everything pans out. At least this year these guys will have summer league and training camp to build and develop.
Its play-in/playoffs or bust for Koby and co. and really JB as well.