TI’s week 6 rookie ladder: OKC Thunder Giddey cements his place
No. 2 – Evan Mobley – Cleveland Cavaliers
For the OKC Thunder fans who like to follow other teams do yourself a favor and check out some Cavaliers matches. Much like we feel like Giddey is sort of our hidden gem the same could be said for Evan Mobley. He is generating some buzz and for good reason. Already the youngster could be in consideration to make an All-Defensive team.
Rookie category rankings:
- Blocks: 1.7 – first
- Minutes per game: 33.8 – second
- Double-Doubles: four
- Rebounds: 8.0 – second
- Offensive rebounds: 1.6 – tied second
- Points: 14.4 – second
- Field Goals Made: 5.7 – second
- Steals: 0.9 – tied eighth
- Assists: 2.5 – sixth
- Turnovers: 1.9 – seventh
- Field Goal Percent: 49.0%
- 3-point field goal percent: 31.3%
It also didn’t hurt that his team failed to win a game while he was sidelined and hasn’t lost since he returned to the hardcourt. Is it all him? No, but he’s a valuable part of JB Bickerstaff’s rotation and the Cleveland Towers has become a real thing.
He played in only one game in week six but was huge in that game collecting 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and four blocks while nailing half (2 of 4) of his 3-pointers. Notably, it was the Orlando Magic he had this effort against (and short-handed at that) but his presence made a difference.
What makes him so exciting is his fluidity on the court. He floats or glides almost across the floor and when a 7′ player has that ability it stands out. The other major is the aforementioned defensive talent of Mobley.
Despite not being a muscled big man his instincts are spot on often outsmarting the bigs who do have size on him. Mobley is equally adept at defending guards and it’s clear this is a player who will vie for DPoY sooner than later in his career.