Isaiah Mobley: 2023 SL MVP

[AllforOne]

I don't know anything about the psychology of bringing him in and whether it will be a positive or a negative for Evan. I just don't think he is going to be a good NBA basketball player.

It’s not like they used a lottery pick on the guy. They used #49 (a pick they bought earlier in the day, so asset-wise, it cost nothing). Guys who get drafted at #49 are by definition unlikely to be good NBA players. It’s not like the Cavs passed over a bevy of future All-Stars to take Isaiah. If you want to pretend otherwise, that’s fine. Just understand that you are indeed pretending.

 

[Lee]

If there was a dislike button I'd be mashing it for some of the takes in this thread. We've already hashed this out and I've previously staked my position of being in favor of this.

I strongly disagree with those predicting this to have a negative outcome. There is no sibling rivalry going on here, the pecking order was established by external evaluating factors. The Mobley family is apparently a very strong, well functioning unit based on what info is available. You know there have been conversations to feel this thing out. Q-Tip stated it well, this in not an experiment, it's a known quantity. Yes this is an intended concession to the whole family and tell me on what planet is that a bad thing if it can be justified for basketball reasons as well?

Isaiah is a 6'10" player who has competed at a very high level, who has skills. If he replaced Ed Davis on the roster for the next decade with playing time varying according to need and fit, who is going to say the young man can't help towards winning games? I can make plenty of arguments supporting this move that trump arguments against it.

He has back of the roster NBA level skills, but if all the older Mobley is help the younger Mobley feel better, more focused, comfortable and challenge him some to improve his game, then the late 2nd round pick and the money spent to get it is very well served.

Older Mobley turning into an actual NBA level player is the bonus and that is actually a very real possibility.

 

[Heat Check]

It’s not like they used a lottery pick on the guy. They used #49 (a pick they bought earlier in the day, so asset-wise, it cost nothing). Guys who get drafted at #49 are by definition unlikely to be good NBA players. It’s not like the Cavs passed over a bevy of future All-Stars to take Isaiah. If you want to pretend otherwise, that’s fine. Just understand that you are indeed pretending.

I don't care about the pick. And I'm well aware nobody's expecting Isaiah to make an impact on the court.

As I've said quite a few times now, I just see it as something of a risk chemistry-wise, and it could also cause some problems down the line if he turns out to be completely unplayable and needs to be cut. Not the end of the world obviously, but I fail to see why this was needed.

Just weird, is all.

 

[Randolphkeys]

As I've said quite a few times now

...and each time, people have said you are creating this in your own head. There is no evidence that the Mobley brothers working out together - which was already happening anyways - creates this supposed disadvantage.

The source of the weird might just be you, compañiero.

 

[Heat Check]

Dean is the more accurate shooter, Mobley the better rebounder... but where is clear evidence one will be an NBA reserve while the other cannot be?

Wade has his warts but he's a capable hole-plugger type with very good foot speed for his size. The switchability he offers is hard to find at his price. That alone makes him more valuable, and he's also a proven outside shooter in the NBA.

Can you, in turn, tell me who Isaiah is going to guard in the League? He obviously can't defend 5's because he couldn't even do it in college (he was a terrible rim protector despite having great length), and he's way way way too slow to guard NBA 4's too.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Wade has his warts but he's a capable hole-plugger type with very good foot speed for his size. The switchability he offers is hard to find at his price. That alone makes him more valuable, and he's also a proven outside shooter in the NBA.

Can you, in turn, tell me who Isaiah is going to guard in the League? He obviously can't defend 5's because he couldn't even do it in college (he was a terrible rim protector despite having great length), and he's way way way too slow to guard NBA 4's too.

Sounds like you are comparing Dean Wade now, at almost 26 years old, to Isaiah Mobley at age 22.

No question Wade is now a nice player to plug into the rotation after injuries hit... but that is four years after he left college. He was on a two-way contract and made good on his opportunity to be where he is today.

According to college advanced stats, Mobley and Wade were about the same defensive impact in their last two years, with Dean Wade playing an extra year.

That's all the Cavs have given him a chance to do... Grab a two way contract while continuing to work out with Evan, like they have always done every off-season. Hopefully Isaiah's body benefits as much as Dean's once he joined the Cavs strength and conditioning program.

 

[Heat Check]

That's all the Cavs have given him a chance to do... Grab a two way contract while continuing to work out with Evan, like they have always done every off-season. Hopefully Isaiah's body benefits as much as Dean's once he joined the Cavs strength and conditioning program.

Sure. All I'm saying is things can get complicated when family is involved.

 

[dark2332]

Anyone else see a 6’10 Boris Diaw in elder Mobley’s game?

 

[foucault87]

Anyone else see a 6’10 Boris Diaw in elder Mobley’s game?

If hes Diaw, Im so on board. I love Boris Diaw, one of my favorite players ever. Would love to see a taller version of him on the Cavs

 

[cabs]

When I see both Mobley boys I see Giannis with a jump shot

 

[Nphan]

Steal of the draft. Gasol brothers like impact.

 

[sportscoach]

@Heat Check

You are making an issue where there is not one and 99.99999999999999999999999999999...% sure there never will be...

This is the 49th pick in the NBA draft and this family understands the best players play and if you don't prove to be then work til you are or move on...

 

[MirORich]

The feeling is mutual young fella

Pretty much knew this was in the works since last year when Isaiah returned to USC.

 

[cliffdawg]

People on this board is treating 2rd rounds NBA picks like they are NFL 2rd round picks, They more like 5/6 round NFL picks, if you hit on them you got lucky……

 

[dark2332]

People on this board is treating 2rd rounds NBA picks like they are NFL 2rd round picks, They more like 5/6 round NFL picks, if you hit on them you got lucky……

I think it’s fair to be harsh, but we’re also at the point where Isaiah Mobley is almost underrated.

We act like he’s only in the NBA because of Evan. It’s swayed that way too far.

Mobley is a really good playmaker, even in the open floor. He’s kind of a point forward, and a sweet shooter. He gets lift on his jumpshot and his release is great. With his long arms, he’s surprisingly able to guard 2’s and 3’s.

He’s no shot blocker or help defender inside, he really plays more like a 3 than a 5 on both ends, which is not a good thing for being 6’10 with a 7’3 wingspan.

But…. This is one of those guys, if an NBA strength and conditioning program changes his body (ala Draymond), he’ll be in the league a long time. Just the tiniest bit more of squeezed athleticism out of his frame would make so much difference.