Rockets: 3 reasons not to draft Evan Mobley

1. Mobley’s lack of strength could pose issues for the Houston Rockets

Although Mobley is a 7-foot center, he’s built much more like a wing, as he’s only 215 pounds. Rockets insider Jonathan Feigen gave a much more interesting comparison for Mobley’s frame, stating, “He’s 20 but he’s still built like a 16-year-old. A very, very tall 16-year-old.”

The true concern with Mobley’s frame is his lack of strength, which could be problematic against bigger centers.

At the NBA level Mobley is almost certain to get pushed around, due to his lack of muscle mass. And although Mobley has the tools to be an elite defender, his lack of lower body strength will present challenges on that end, because he will struggle to defend traditional post-ups.

Mobley’s lack of strength will make it difficult for him to hold his position defensively, which is where he’s expected to be a difference-maker. This would affect the Rockets’ front-court defense in a negative way, as we know that Christian Wood is not a superior defender, in part because of the same size concerns.

In fact, Wood and Mobley are listed as the same exact weight and we saw Wood get easily moved in the paint last season. Another issue with Mobley’s lack of strength is in regards to setting screens, as the best screens are often set when one is able to establish a strong position with their legs.

In other words, Mobley not having a strong base and having a deficit in regards to his lower body strength could have an effect on many other things besides just his interior defense.

With all of this being said, Mobley’s lack of size and strength presents a major concern.