Cleveland's defensive cornerstone — the most gifted young big man in the modern NBA since Anthony Davis.
Evan Mobley was born in Riverside, California in 2001. Cleveland Cavaliers selected him third overall in the 2021 NBA Draft after one season at USC. His career has produced averages of 17.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game along with two All-Star appearances and All-NBA Defensive First Team recognition. He has been a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award in multiple seasons. His combination of mobility — he can guard point guards in space — with rim protection ability, shot-blocking and his emerging offensive skill set makes him the most versatile defensive big man in the NBA. He has been named to the All-NBA Defensive First Team twice by age 22. He forms part of one of the NBA's most promising young cores alongside Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. His offensive development — expanding his three-point range, improving his post footwork and developing a consistent pull-up jumper — has been as impressive as his defensive excellence. He is considered one of the cornerstone players of the next generation of NBA superstars.
Versatile big man with elite defense and modern offensive skills
How They Played
Mobile center/power forward, shot blocking, perimeter defense
Lasting Impact
Rising star establishing himself as cornerstone franchise player
All-Star 2x
Career Honours
- All-Star 2x
- All-NBA Second Team
- All-NBA Defensive First Team
- Rookie of the Year runner-up (2022)