Houston Rockets: Ranking the top-five 2021 NBA draft prospects

Houston Rockets Draft Prospect #2: Evan Mobley

Evan Mobley led the NCAA in Win Shares his freshman year at USC. While advanced metrics aren’t perfect when evaluating prospects, it needs to be noted that the last three freshmen to lead the NCAA in win shares are Anthony Davis, Kevin Love, and Kevin Durant.

Mobley is the perfect modern big man and has the potential to be the best defensive player in the league. A lack of strength might cause him to struggle against certain bigs but with the way the NBA game has shifted, it’s more important to be able to defend the perimeter than post-ups.

Mobley is a fluid and explosive athlete that possesses a good handle for someone his size and could be a go-to scoring option at his peak. Early on he’ll be awesome in the pick and roll but his offensive upside lies in whether he can create for himself, extend his range out to three and continue to develop as a passer.

He has an incredibly high floor as an impact defender and a lethal pick and roll partner. However, his ceiling is as the best center and two-way player in the league in a similar fashion to Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Mobley has the skill to play next to another big or be the lone frontcourt player. This versatility will benefit any team that selects him as it’ll allow for more creative team building.

Mobley’s chances of reaching his offensive upside will take time if it ever happens but his chances of being at least an above-average NBA regular are almost a certainty. At the end of the day, Mobley might be the best player from this draft but his chances of being an offensive focal point is what drags him down.

Next: Houston Rockets Draft Prospect #1