CLEVELAND, Ohio — All Evan Mobley does is win.
high school. College. Team USA. Pros. Rising Stars. Skills Challenge. Rookie of the Year? Let’s hold off on that last one. For now, anyway.
Off one foot, with an easy flick of the right wrist, the 20-year-old prodigy launched Team Cavs to a re-formatted Skills Challenge victory at All-Saturday Night. The 47-foot shot punctuated a dream weekend for the standout rookie who makes it seem like no lights are too bright, no moment is too big, no expectations are too lofty and there’s nothing he can’t do.
“He is literally a unicorn,” said teammate Darius Garland, who participated in the Skills Challenge alongside Mobley and Jarrett Allen. “Seven-footer, 20 years old that can do everything. I’m glad I play with him. I’m happy to have him on my team so I don’t have to go against him.”
“He is one of a kind,” Allen added. “Defense, offense, and now half court.”
Mobley’s heroics came less than 24 hours after helping Team Barry win the Rising Stars. Two events. Two victories. Typical Mobily. The only thing he lost in his first All-Star experience was the Rising Stars MVP, with Detroit Pistons No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham capturing that honor. But that vote easily could’ve gone the other way. Even Cunningham admitted it.
No biggie. Nothing can put a damper on this unforgettable weekend. Not losing out to Cunningham. Not the frigid temperatures. Not the slick sidewalks. Not the packed roads that are making it excruciatingly difficult to get around. Not the countless commitments that have worn him down. Not the late-night dinners (1 am with his family following Rising Stars). Not the fact that he hasn’t gotten to meet many celebrities.
Growing up in California, the youngster watched the All-Star Game every year and dreamed about being on that stage. He has such fond memories that it’s difficult to single out a favorite. He remembers special moments from All-Star Saturday Night as well. The dunk contest was always at the top of his list. Zach LaVine’s back-to-back wins. Aaron Gordon jumping over a mascot. Blake Griffin using a car as a prop.
Now he’s got another. His very own. In the arena he now calls home. Alongside two of his beloved teammates. In front of adoring fans that affectionately chant his last name and wear his jersey.
A dream come true.
“I feel like it’s met my expectations,” Mobley said of the experience. “Perfect year so far. Cavs are doing good. Have guys in the Rising Stars, All-Star Game and Skills Challenge. Great so far. It’s All-Star Weekend and I’m in it.”
Laid back and levelheaded, Mobley is being too modest. He hasn’t just been in All-Star Weekend. He’s been at the center of it — a rousing debut.
After Allen struggled early in the shooting phase of the four-pronged competition that kicked off the night’s festivities, Mobley made his first five attempts. He glided around the court and made it look easy. That torrid run included a 37-footer worth five points that helped Team Cavs score enough to win the first round.
And outside shooting is supposed to be the area of his game that still needs work?
“I was just going out there and having fun,” Mobley said. “Almost all of them went in. It was all good.”
Garland backed up Mobley’s performance, tallying a contest-best 21 points in that first round. Mobley and Garland together beat Team Rooks (32 points) and Team Antetokounmpos (20), easily overcoming Allen’s inefficiency. Later, Mobley sealed the victory by hitting a half-court shot on his first try in the final round. Cunningham made his at 9.9 seconds. Mobley did it in less than five, raising his hand in the air and electrifying the home fans.
“I felt it when it came off,” Mobley said. “You could see me. It looked good.”
Cleveland knows how special Mobley is. The city felt it as soon as he was selected with the No. 3 pick. The evidence builds each night.
Now the rest of the league knows it as well. Whether he needed it or not, Mobley’s got the NBA’s attention.
“I think the whole league knows Evan by now,” Allen equipped. “If they’ve ever driven to the paint, they definitely know him. The NBA should know him by now.”
In the penultimate game of the first half, 76ers MVP candidate Joel Embiid shared words of affirmation with Mobley. On Saturday afternoon, during All-Star Media Day, unprompted both Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green and LeBron James singled out Mobley when discussing the Cavaliers’ surprising turnaround. Opposing coaches continue to send Bickerstaff messages about Mobley’s uniqueness. TNT Analyst Reggie Miller shouted about Mobley being Rookie of the Year during Saturday’s broadcast. Cunningham called him a big-time player following Rising Stars Friday night. Even Oklahoma City rookie Josh Giddey, who opposed Mobley in the Skills Challenge and is one of the threats to a first-season coronation, admitted his Rookie of the Year vote would go to Mobley.
“He’s a special player,” Giddey said. “He was regarded as really high coming out of the draft and lived up to all expectations. Has played a huge role at both ends of the floor for a talented Cleveland team and he’s helping them do some really good teams. He’s been awesome.”
On Saturday night, Mobley brought his first trophy to Cleveland. There will be more. Success seems to follow him.
“He is our Rookie of the Year,” Garland said.
“I second that,” Allen chimed in.
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