Three Cavs Summer League Takeaways So Far

Last Sunday, the Cleveland Cavaliers kicked off their 2021 NBA Summer League, in Las Vegas. 

They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas…

For the Cavs, let’s hope that’s not the case. 

I’ve seen a lot of good and just some bad for the Cavs in this year’s summer league. Let’s focus on the good. 

Evan Mobley is as advertised

This past week, Cleveland and Cavaliers fans alike, got their first look at the 7-footer out of USC. 

Mobley has drawn comparisons to Anthony Davis, Chris Bosh and Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

At first, these comparisons seemed outlandish. After all, that’s what we do, right? Every draft prospect in sports needs to have a direct comparison to someone already in the league. 

After two summer league games, those comparisons seem at the very least, plausible. 

Now, I know what you’re going to say – “IT’S ONLY BEEN TWO SUMMER LEAGUE GAMES!”

That may be true, but from the tip-off of the Cavaliers first Summer League game, Mobley has showed us that he belongs – he will have a very long and successful NBA career. 

In his first two Summer League games, Mobley has scored a combined 26 points, grabbing 12 rebounds with 6 assists and 4 blocks. 

Let’s look beyond the box score, though…

The word that comes to mind when drawing a conclusion on Mobley’s first two Summer League games is smooth. 

Mobley’s movements, rotations and decision making have been fluid and smooth, on both the offensive and defensive end. 

Mainly, he doesn’t look lost on a basketball court. He looks like he belongs. 

The fluidity and smoothness of Mobley’s game will only improve with more practice time, coaching and veteran leadership. 

In fact, I just put my sunglasses on. 

The future is bright with Evan Mobley.

Isaac Okoro is poised for a big Sophomore season

In his first season, Isaac Okoro averaged just 9.6 points per game, while shooting 42 percent from the field and 29 percent from three. 

Okoro showed flashes defensively, often drawing the assignment of the top scorer on the opposing team. 

As a rookie, that is invaluable experience that will aid Okoro’s progression for years to come. 

Okoro’s growth, however, needs to come on the offensive end of the floor. 

Okoro was too passive at times last year, especially for a team that won just 22 games (it still hurts to say that). 

Through two summer league games, however, Okoro looks great. 

I know, I know – it’s just summer league. 

Okoro looks more confident and comfortable on the offensive end of the floor. He’s driving to the basket with conviction and finishing through contact. 

The aggression on the offensive end has me excited and it should have you excited, too. 

A big sophomore season for Okoro and the Cavaliers might just find themselves fighting for the play-in tournament. 

Lamar Stevens could be a serviceable bench player this season

Lamar Stevens, an undrafted rookie out of Penn State, was able to see crucial minutes last season.

The experience gained by Stevens last season has certainly aided his strong start to the Cavaliers Summer League. 

In two games, Stevens has scored a combined 28 points – shooting over 50% from the floor in both games. 

The Cavaliers need shooting – Stevens does not necessarily provide the knock-down catch and shoot player the team has been searching for since the departure of Kyle Korver. But, he provides a high motor and versatility that can be beneficial to a young team, trying to find their way. 

Stevens has showed signs that he can be a key contributor to the Cavaliers rotation this season. 

After all, the Cavaliers need all the help they can get.