"This is a smaller version of what the Boston Celtics had with KG, Paul Pierce" - Former NBA champion asserts Evan Mobley is the key for Cavaliers to Eastern Conference Finals
The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the best teams in the league right now, and big man Evan Mobley has played a key role in their success. Former NBA champion Channing Frye recently asserted that the development of Mobley will be key if the Cavs want to reach the NBA Finals.
On "Road Trippin'," the panel discussed the team's excelling in the league. After going through a list of teams, Frye highlighted that the Cavs' best chance at reaching the finals is with Mobley. He said:
"I'm worried that Evan Mobley, because there's not a lot of pressure on him to develop offensively right now because Donovan is playing so well, Darius is playing well. I would like him to continue to be aggressive because if he can, and I'mma use this reference, this is a smaller version of what the Boston Celtics had with KG, Paul Pierce, Rondo, and that team.
"So for me, if he can be that defensive anchor, be everywhere, be aggressive, finish around the rim, I think they're going to go to the finals. Eastern Conference Finals, that's if the Bucks are healthy."
(From 16:15)
Mobley has utilized his length on both ends of the floor. His partnership with Jarrett Allen has made the Cavs one of the best defensive teams since last season.
The Cavs currently have the second-best record in the league. Since losing their season opener against the Toronto Raptors, they have won eight straight.
Although Donovan Mitchell has been the star of the show, averaging 31.1 points per game, Mobley has pulled his weight on both ends of the floor. The sophomore big man is a huge reason the Cavs have the second-best defensive rating in the league.
How important is Evan Mobley to the Cleveland Cavaliers?
The Cavs are building a team that could contend for a championship for many years. Some could argue that they now have the personnel to get back into playoff action. Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins strongly believes the Cavs have the best starting lineup.
Donovan Mitchell's addition is undoubtedly a big boost. However, the Cavs going all the way without Mobley is debatable.
Mobley has been huge since joining the Cavs and has continued to make strides in his young career. The second-year power forward has received a lot of high praise. Analyst Bill Simmons recently compared him to Tim Duncan, saying the stage is set and Mobley could "be like a top 75 guy all-time."
In eight games this season, Evan Mobley is averaging 15.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.9 blocks per game.
Although the Cavs reaching the Finals is a bold prediction, they are likely to make some noise in the East. The team will be looking to break its four-year playoff hiatus this season.
The Cavs are a real threat in the East and could be one of the biggest surprise packages. If they continue their momentum, they could finish in the top two, a position they have not reached since the 2016-17 season.