OKC Thunder NBA Draft prospect profile: The gifted big man

Continuing Intentions NBA Draft prospect series the first true big man is up next — Evan Mobley. While most teams would love to add the forward the OKC Thunder would have to make a deal in order to move up in the draft order to nab him.

Before I get into the semantics of that happening, Intentions will focus on the USC 7′ prospect providing an overview, his strengths, and weaknesses. Then wrap up with his NBA comparison and how he would fit with the OKC Thunder.

For most of the season, Mobley sat firmly in second on mock drafts. But with an increasing belief, the Rockets will select Jalen Green it shifts the entire top of the ladder with Mobley sliding to third and possibly fourth. More on this at the end of the article.

Let’s take a look at what makes Mobley unique and why many experts are projecting a long career with star potential for the USC forward.

OKC Thunder draft prospect preview for Evan Mobley:

Specifics:

Height: 7′
Weight: 210 pounds
Wingspan: 7’4″
Position: Forward
Birthdate/Age: June, 18th 2001 – 20 years
College: USC, freshman
Stat line: 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.9 blocks
Home Town: Murrieta, California

Box Score Statistics:

Per Game Table
Season	School	Conf	G	MP	FGA	FG%	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	DRB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	PTS
2020-21	USC	Pac-12	33	33.9	10.3	.578	9.1	.615	1.2	.300	5.8	.694	2.7	5.9	8.7	2.4	0.8	2.9	16.4
Career	USC		33	33.9	10.3	.578	9.1	.615	1.2	.300	5.8	.694	2.7	5.9	8.7	2.4	0.8	2.9	16.4

Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 7/9/2021.

Current Ranking:

As per above, Mobley is dropping down the ladder, not because of his talent, but rather because of the roster compilation of the teams selecting second and third.

With the Rockets essentially cementing Jalen Green at second that pushes Mobley down to third. However, that’s also not a lock since the Cavaliers just added Jarrett Allen this year and already have a glut of big men on their roster. Although the Cavs picking Jalen Suggs might seem equally unlikely Collin Sexton wants a max deal. That’s equated to rumors Cleveland will trade Sexton and voila that would make Suggs the perfect selection to replace him and add some size to go with Darius Garland in the backcourt.

If that happens watch for the Raptors to jump on Mobley to fill a need upfront. With both Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol exiting last year among the myriad of issues the Raptors dealt with was finding a replacement who fit their system. It could end up being a win-win for Mobley and the Raptors especially if Kyle Lowry and the team renew his contract to help integrate the big man.

With that let’s dive a little deeper into Evan Mobley starting with his strengths and weaknesses…