Cavaliers rookie Evan Mobley and third-year shooting guard Darius Garland have developed strong chemistry in the early part of a surprisingly successful 2021/22 season, writes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. At 9-5, Cleveland is currently the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. According to Fedor, the duo’s chemistry extends beyond the hardwood too, as they frequently grab dinner together during road trips.
“They’re dynamic together,” Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “They put a threat on the floor, where it’s two-sided and it’s in a lot of space. Teams can’t really pick their poison in that. Both are such good playmakers, you’ve got a tough decision to make.”
“I enjoy it a lot,” Mobley said of his on-court fit with his Cavaliers teammate. “We always know where each other [is] on the floor. He knows where I want the ball and then vice versa. I feel like every game, we keep getting better. He does a great job throwing lobs as well. That lob today, that was tough.”
Both players were high lottery picks. The seven-foot Mobley, an early Rookie of the Year favorite, was the third pick out of USC this season, while the 6’1″ Garland was the fifth pick in the 2019 draft out of Vanderbilt.
There’s more out of the Central Division:
- New Cavaliers point guard Ricky Rubio, thrust into a starting role due to the absence of incumbent Collin Sexton, has proven to be a game-changing veteran this year, writes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. “He’s got the heart and grit and level of competition that isn’t matched many places,” head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “There is something special about him when it comes to impacting winning. He doesn’t have to shoot it great. He doesn’t have to get the stats or numbers. But he somehow impacts winning no matter when he’s on the floor.”
- Pacers swingman Justin Holiday has found a fit with the team coming off the bench, writes James Boyd of the Indianapolis Star. Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle spoke highly of Holiday’s willingness to accept a bench role with Caris LeVert back in the starting lineup. “Justin’s certainly a very good player as a starter in this league, but it’s better for us if we can have him coming off the bench,” Carlisle said. “He’s a real professional at doing that. He knows how to get into the game, he’s got the right mindset and experience for it, he’s just a total team guy.” Boyd notes that, off the bench, Holiday is averaging 12.8 PPG on 49.1% shooting from the field and 44.4% from long range. In his eight contests as a starter, Holiday has averaged 7.0 PPG while connecting on just 32.3% of his looks from the floor and 29.8% of his efforts from deep.
- Pacers reserve point guard T.J. McConnell is relishing his life as a bit of a bench pest with the Pacers, writes Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files. McConnell has planted real roots in town after signing a four-year extension worth up to $35.2MM with the club in the offseason. “He’s like a little irritant,” Sixers head coach Doc Rivers remarked on McConnell. “He’s just solid, high IQ. There’s a bunch of guys that play that role in our league and they all are tough, they’re pesky, but they’re good. They’re more than just a pain, they’re actually good players.”
1 win away from the the 1 seed in the east.
Are the Cavs for real? Or is it luck?
9-4
So far, they played only 1 game against 9th -15th seeds?
They played most of the good teams?
I’m Ron Burgundy?
*9-5. The Cavs are 6-1 in their past 7, with Markkanen, Love, Sexton, and Stevens have all missed time in that span. Garland, Mobley, and Allen are all playing like borderline All-Stars atm, and Rubio is a serious game changer of the bench. This isn’t luck, and if you get a chance to watch them play, you will see why.
These next 12 games are going to be difficult though (including games against Warriors, Nets [x2], Suns, Mavs, Heat, Wizards, Jazz, Bucks) so don’t be surprised if they come back down to Earth a little bit record-wise, but that doesn’t mean they still aren’t the real deal.
I’m sure they miss Lamar Stevens’ 1.9 ppg dearly
Cavs are for real. A team can’t dominate in the paint like they’ve been doing and not be formidable against anyone. Not sold on their perimeter group or depth just yet, but there’s sufficient talent there (particularly if Rubio can stay healthy) to at least make them a playoff team.
When you talk about winners, you talk about Rubio, he might not be a fan’s favorite, but boy if you know about hoops you know how much Rubio impacts winning, guy is a legend!
For real. He is a very gifted playmaker, but man I never realized how good of a defender he is. The guy is usually the slowest guard on the court every game, yet he can stick with the best of them on defense. Without Rubio Cavs aren’t what they are this year so far.
I’m so glad other nba teams/ fans get to see how good this Cavs team really is! No more Cavs slander!
Cavs are off to a good start. Wasn’t really down with the twin towers look. But it has worked especially on D. I read a comparison of Mobley to Garnet. I think that’s a good comparison. Where Mobley could become a better shooter. Mobley has really showed up early. That’s what IQ players can do , especially with size. I would not give up on Okoro. I still have high hopes for him. Rubio is solid vet as third guard. Cavs could really use a big SG. I wouldn’t resign Sexton. I use him to get a good size 2. Or find one in the draft.
link to basketballnews.com
GM Altman has hit on 3of4 high picks he has made. Now… will his vanity prevent him from getting something for Okoro while it is possible? Rtg=minus21, PER=5, BPM=minus7, 3pt=12%… his stats are all down from last year except rebounding=6per36′ despite mostly now playing the 2… that’s the big problem… he is not a guard.
People project him high because of his body but that’s about all he has going for him. It’s not hos fault, it’s the expectations of him… he would have been a find if taken in the second round.
Just like drafting Garland the year after taking the Sexton make a bad fit, so does drafting Mobley after Okoro make Okoro look like a bad fit… even though he is a decent forward prospect.