Kendrick Perkins Thinks Cleveland’s Evan Mobley Has Lots To Prove
In a recent video on ESPN’s TikTok account, NBA analyst and former Cleveland Cavaliers center Kendrick Perkins released his list of the top five NBA players with the most to prove this season.
Fellow Cleveland big man Evan Mobley entered the list at number four.
“Last year, we saw what he did in the postseason. He has all the upside, now it’s time for him to take it to another level. Like 20 [points per game] and 10 [rebounds per game].” Perkins said.
As a rookie in 2021-22, the seven-footer averaged 15.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. He also shot 50.8 percent from the field and 66.3 percent from the free throw line.
These numbers led to Mobley being named to the 2021-22 Kia NBA All-Rookie First Team and Kia NBA Rookie of the Year runner-up, while being selected to the NBA All-Star Rising Stars roster.
Last season, he stayed fairly consistent, with many improvements.
Mobley averaged 16.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks per contest. His field goal percentage jumped to 55.4 percent, and his free throw percentage improved to 67.4 percent.
Apr 18, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) during the second half of game two against the New York Knicks in the 2023 NBA playoffs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Mobley was recognized for his strong defense, being named to the 2022-23 Kia All-NBA Defensive First Team and finishing third in the Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year voting. He was also selected to the NBA All-Star Rising Stars roster for his second straight season.
This season, the Cavaliers are hoping Mobley can improve his three-point shooting ability. In his first two seasons, the 22-year-old has shot 45-for-194 (23.2 percent) from deep.
Based on his steady progression, Mobley seems to be in line for an All-Star caliber third campaign.
