In the 2021 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers have several options with the third pick. The Cavs have a clear need for size, length and forwards in this year’s draft. While selecting a forward would be ideal for Cleveland, there may not be a forward good enough for the third pick. This creates a dilemma for the Cavaliers. Who makes sense for Cleveland at the third pick and would be a good fit?
To begin, there are several prospects that would not work for Cleveland. Jalen Suggs is considered one of the four best prospects in the 2021 NBA Draft. There is no denying Suggs’ talent level after he averaged over 14 points while shooting over 50% in his freshman season at Gonzaga. The reason Suggs would not be an ideal fit for the Cavs is his position. He is a 6-foot-4 guard that most view as a point guard due to his playmaking ability. Cleveland is committed to Darius Garland at the point guard position, and Suggs game at shooting guard would simply be not as good. Suggs is the type of playmaking guard that needs to handle the ball frequently to be fully effective. Three ball dominant guards like Suggs, Garland and Collin Sexton would create confusion.
As mentioned, Cleveland could definitely use some small forward help. The two top forwards in the 2021 NBA Draft are Jonathan Kuminga and Scottie Barnes. Both Kuminga and Barnes are talented athletes with high ceilings. On the other hand, both forwards are raw prospects that will likely need time to develop. While both have a high ceiling, their time to develop is what likely keeps them from cracking the top four prospects in the draft. Obviously if Cleveland decided to take one of these forwards at three, they would be taking a huge risk. Rather than reach on a forward prospect, the Cavs should go with a safer pick that brings an instant impact.
The two ideal prospects for Cleveland is Jalen Green and Evan Mobley. Depending on the source, Green and Mobley are essentially interchangeable for the second and third best prospects. Both prospects could bring an instant impact, and have very high ceilings. They are both outstanding athletes with unique skillsets.
Green stands at 6-foot-5 and has massive offensive potential. The young guard will likely play shooting guard in the NBA and could be an elite shot creator. Green skipped college ball and went with the G League route for one year. In fifteen games, Green averaged nearly 18 points while shooting 46.1% from the floor and 36.5% from three. He can truly score at any level on the floor due to his ball handling, athletic ability and jump shot.
Mobley is a 7-foot big man with stretch potential. Mobley mostly projects as a center at the next level, but could see time at power forward if he develops right. In his sole year at USC, Mobley averaged 16.4 points while shooting 57.8% and 30% from three. In addition, Mobley snagged 8.7 rebounds per game and blocked 2.9 shots per contest. The former Trojan is a great defender thanks to his mobility and shot blocking ability. Also, Mobley has a sound jump shot and has the ability to score in the post. With his mobility, Mobley could an intriguing stretch four option if his jump shot improves.
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Out of Green and Mobley, which would fit the best in Cleveland? The Cavs could make it work with either prospect. Green or Mobley would be behind a solidified starter. Green would be behind Sexton at shooting guard, but rumors of a potential Sexton trade have emerged. Depending on if Cleveland resigns Jarrett Allen, Mobley would be behind Allen at center. Of the two scenarios, Cleveland would be more likely to not resign Allen than to trade Sexton. Considering this, it would be easier for the Cavs to make room for Mobley.
However, what would be the ideal situation for Cleveland’s future? The Cavaliers clearly have an undersized backcourt with Garland and Sexton. Green could solve this issue by eventually replacing Sexton. This would give the Cavs starting guards standing at 6-foot-1 and 6-foot-5 rather than two 6-foot-1 guards. If Sexton was then traded, Cleveland could potentially get rid of Kevin Love’s hefty contract in a package deal. Between Love’s large contract and Sexton’s eventual extension, this would help Cleveland’s cap situation tremendously. Also, Cleveland would likely acquire more young players and picks in a Sexton deal. Cleveland would certainly lose more in the immediate, but in the long term the Cavs could end up being better.
After considering both scenarios, Mobley seems to be the better option here. Taking Green could eventually lead to trading a star player in Sexton. It may be too risky to send off the best player Cleveland has had since LeBron James. Mobley could add a lot of versatility to Cleveland’s lineup. Mobley could possibly replace Allen nicely if Cleveland does not resign Allen. In addition, Cleveland could even play Mobley at power forward some alongside Allen if Allen is resigned. Selecting Mobley would probably lead to less confusion and roster turnover in Cleveland.
The Cavs will likely not have Green and Mobley available at three. The Houston Rockets at two could select either Green or Mobley. Cleveland’s decision could be made by just who’s available. Still, the Cavaliers have to compare Green and Mobley to ultimately make a decision if both happen to be available.
All stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference and ESPN.
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