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4 rising talents who could become a first-time NBA All-Star in 2023

By Donald Hamilton

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards and Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards and Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports) /
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NBA All-Star
Cleveland Cavaliers star Evan Mobley (David Richard-USA TODAY Sports) /

First-time NBA All-Star candidates: Evan Mobley

Another member of what seems to be a historic 2021 NBA Draft class is Cleveland Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley. Mobley was the runner-up for Rookie of the Year but still had an incredible rookie season. He had a major impact on both ends of the court for the Cavaliers with averages of 15 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 blocks per game. He shot 50% from the field and was highly efficient with a true shooting percentage of nearly 55%.

Mobley was arguably the best defensive rookie in recent history, and probably the best the NBA has seen since Tim Duncan in 1997. Mobley has the same calm, awkward demeanor Duncan had: he’s not loud or flashy but he lets his game do the talking by being a stout defender who can switch on guards and protect the rim at an elite level.

The Cavaliers were, at one point, one of the top four teams in the Eastern Conference last season and were the surprise team of the NBA. That’s in large part due to Mobley’s brilliance in just his first season along with All-Star center Jarrett Allen and All-Star guard Darius Garland.

So what does the former No.3 overall pick have to do to make a jump to All-Star status next season? First, he’ll need to be more assertive in creating his own shot and looking to dominate when his team needs him to. He tends to defer a lot to his teammates and gets most of his scoring opportunities off creation from Garland’s penetration.

Secondly, Mobley will need to get stronger so he can finish through contact better and establish a better position in the post against opponents. The last thing Mobley should also look to improve is his 3-point shot, as he made just 25% of his attempts from beyond the arc last season. If he can improve his shooting from deep as well as get stronger to be more of a presence in the paint, we can be looking at a transformational big man who will be making the first of many All-Star trips.

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Be excited, Cavs fans — you have a unique big who can be a potential top-10 player in the league if he puts it all together.