J.B. Bickerstaff reflects on Evan Mobley’s strong mindset -“He doesn’t want to be the next Giannis”
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has some high expectations for his forward Evan Mobley. Touting his potential and strong mindset, Bickerstaff expressed how he believed Mobley could develop into a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Evan Mobley was one of the most talented players in last year's draft class. After a spectacular season that saw him earn a mention in the ROTY conversation, Mobley has only continued to improve as a player.
Fitting the prototype of the modern day big man, Mobley has a lot to offer in the game. This makes him invaluable to the Cleveland Cavaliers as he takes on the responsibility of being their starting power forward.
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff suggested that Mobley could potentially develop into a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo. While mentioning that Antetokounmpo was someone Mobley could aspire to be, Bickerstaff added:
"[Mobley] has a ton of respect for the players that are great in this game and he is competitive enough to want to be better than them. But he also respects their journey and how they got there and is not afraid to take things from them. He takes immense pride in being himself."
He continued:
"He doesn't want to be the next Giannis or the next whoever, he wants to be Evan Mobley. But he is willing to watch people's commitment and match and exceed their commitment, so that he can be the best that he can be."
After Evan Mobley’s first matchup against Giannis Antetokounmpo last season, the Cavs showed him photos of a young Giannis when first entered the league. The message was clear:
“It was kind of a window into the future for him”
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Additionally, Antetokounmpo also reportedly acknowledged the comparison between himself and the Cavs big man. He said:
"People my size cannot move the way I move. I just try to perfect it as much as I can because I understand it's a difference-maker."
While acknowledging Mobley's potential, Giannis Antetokounmpo added that an important aspect of his development would be the process of embracing physicality. Skill remains an important aspect. However, with size in mind, being able to dish out and deal with contact is just as crucial.
Antetokounmpo also ended his take on Mobley on a positive note. He said:
"It's a matter of time before he has a breakout season and becomes one of the best power forwards in the league. The skill set and the body, the body is there. But it's up to him if he's going to work hard and fight through adversity to insert himself among the best in the league."
Also Read: Giannis Antetokounmpo lauds Cleveland Cavaliers centre predicting his bright future: "He can be better than me...he’s 7-feet tall”
Evan Mobley has the potential to catch up to Giannis Antetokounmpo
There is some certainty with which one can say that Evan Mobley has the potential to be like Giannis Antetokounmpo one day. However, the secret behind this lies in Mobley's dedication.
Antetokounmpo's sheer drive and dedication is what separates him from a lot of players in the league. While his skillset may be limited, Antetokounmpo has worked tirelessly to build an intimidating physique that lets him make the most of it. The result has seen him become one of the most dominant players in the game.
A similar situation presents itself for Mobley and he appears to be aware of this as well. While speaking to ESPN's Jamal Collier about the comparisons to Antetokounmpo, Mobley said:
"It takes a while for your body to get to where you exactly want it to, but you've just got to stick with it and keep working. I felt like [the photos of Antetokounmpo as a rookie] were more so saying the transition is possible."
Taking inspiration from Giannis' development, Mobley indicated signs of taking a similar route. Already making an impact on both ends of the floor while producing impressive numbers, he could be on track towards becoming one of the best forwards in the game.
Read: Evan Mobley's stats as a sophomore for Cleveland Cavaliers have been a blueprint for top forwards in the league: All you need to know