Evan Mobley Is Going To Be The Next Great Bigman | Weekly Round-Up
Why Evan Mobley will be dominant, how sprinting improved Chris Bosh's game, plus more.
Hey all,
Welcome to the Weekly Round-Up on the Old Man Game Newsletter, where I share with you the best and most crucial NBA stories from the week, plus some other cool stuff.
This week, I want to start off by asking: Do you think the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley will be the next great power forward?
After a few weeks of games, he is currently averaging 13 points per game on 50 percent shooting, grabbing 8 rebounds, snatching over 1 steal, and swatting away over 1 block.
To compare, Anthony Davis had similar numbers in his first season in the league. He averaged 13.5 points on 51.6 percent, 8.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks.
Now, I understand rookie stats don’t determine greatness or predict how well a player will do in the future. Just take a look at Tyreke Evans’ numbers.
But it is something to take note of.
Additionally, a lot of people are praising Mobley for his mentality and skills.
The Cavs’ head coach, J.B. Bickerstaff, commented on his rookie’s maturity and competitiveness after a game against the star-stacked Los Angeles Lakers.
Via NBA.com:
“That’s why you don’t see him riding the emotional rollercoaster that we talk about,” Bickerstaff said. “He just prepares to play the game and do whatever it takes to help our team win. When you approach the game that way, all the distractions and the clutter aren’t in your mind. All you’re thinking about is this game and this moment. That allows you to play freely.”
The Lakers’ LeBron James, who I’m sure you know have a relationship with the Cavs, also commented on Mobley after their duel:
“He’s going to be a damn good basketball player in this league,” James said. “Cleveland has a good one.”
So, do you think Mobley will the next power forward/center to dominate?
Blog Post of The Week
What Are The Benefits of Sprinting For Basketball?
In this blog post, I profile Hall of Famer Chris Bosh and share how sprinting in the offseason helped him become a better basketball player.
The Wire
Celtics’ Brown Believes Residual Effects From Covid Playing A Factor In His Inconsistent Play
Via NBC Sports Boston:
"I'm just not recovering as fast as I'd like, and I'm having some joint pains, and that's a part of COVID as well," Jaylen Brown said.
"My body just hasn't felt the same," he added. "Instead of playing one game, it kind of feels like I played three. I know I just turned 25, but this can't be what it looks like on the other side."
Trailblazers’ Star Damian Lillard On Offensive Struggles: ‘I Have No Excuses.’
Via ESPN:
"I have no excuses," [Damian] Lillard said, adding he doesn't have any injury issues, either, after dealing with an abdominal problem with Team USA at the Olympics this summer. "I don't know what y'all want me to say about it. I prepared well for the season, my mind is clear.
"I don't have no reason for it. I don't have nothing to lean on. I'm not shooting the ball well, and for our team to be successful I've got to shoot the ball better, and I accept that. I know that I'm going to shoot the ball better and I know what it's going to look like and I've done it many times."
Ime Udoka on Celtics’ Lost To Bulls: ‘Some Nights You Deserve To Lose’
Via The Score:
"Some nights you deserve to win, like I felt against Washington, some nights you deserve to lose when you don't take a game seriously," [Ime Udoka] said, courtesy of NBC Sports Boston. "We lost our composure there a little bit when they started blitzing Jayson, but overall it was that we relaxed when we got the lead, acted like the game was over.
"It's a lesson learned, a hard one that should hurt," Udoka added. "Should be pissed off. But don't play with the game. Mess around with the game, it's going to come back to bite you."
CP3 Dishes Out 18 Assists, Moves Up To 3rd On All-Time Assists List
Via NBA on Twitter:
"Man, it's amazing," Paul said postgame. "My family's here. My dad, who put the ball in my hands when I first started. I'm playing against New Orleans, where it all started for me. That city will always be my family. That's my brother, [Pelicans head coach] Willie Green. It's an honor and a privilege, and I'm grateful that, thank God, I still get a chance to play."
3-Time Sixth Man Of Year, Lou Williams, May Be Playing His Final Season
Via Bleacher Report:
"I’m a jarhead. This is all I know as far as a career path. I’ve always been a basketball player…You always think you’re prepared until it’s reality. I know this is probably my last season, I'll say that publicly. But I said that last time, so, who knows?" Lou Williams said. "I have the clarity, I'm OK with that. But I'm also OK with continuing to play if that's where it takes me. I'm prepared for the worst."
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Final Thoughts
Well, that was, once again, a jam-packed week.
Anyway, hope you all have a great rest of your week and I’ll see you all again next week!
Nam
P.S. If you’re struggling to improve in basketball, you may be training wrong. This is why you need to check out my Old Man Game Activity Guide. It’s a convenient training system that will help you work on your fundamentals and conditioning. Click here to learn more about it.