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“This Is Not The Cleveland We Knew Over The Past Few Years’| Giannis Antetokounmpo Gets Posterized, Recognizes Rising Rookie Evan Mobley’s Cavs

Posted byBy Devon POV Mason | Published on: CommentsComments (0)

It’s that time again where we rank the current “frosh” on the NBA hardwood.

Evan Mobley — Cleveland Cavaliers (Center)

Mobley continues to play a key role in the Cavs surprising season. Currently at 30-19 and the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference under the tutelage of J.B. Bickerstaff, nobody saw this elevation coming. Mobley’s defensive presence is a huge reason why the Cavs have held teams under 100 points 20 times and Cleveland is 16-4 in those games. 

And he’s not looking too shabby on the offensive end. Since his return from COVID-19 12 games ago he’s averaging 17.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists, while shooting 57 percent from the field.

He’s averaging a solid 15.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game. In a 115-99 win on Wednesday over the defending champion Bucks, Mobley went for 16/7/4/3 and put the world on notice with this posterization off reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Cavs’ performance definitely impressed  “Greek Freak,” who said:

“This is not the Cleveland we knew over the past few years.”

 

Cade Cunningham — Detroit Pistons (Guard)

Since making his NBA debut in late October after missing all of training camp, Cunningham has steadily improved. Throughout the season Cunningham has shown flashes of the ability that made him the No. 1 overall pick. He’s gotten more comfortable as he’s gotten healthier, and in his past 13 games he’s averaging 17.9 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals. He’s also been hot from three over that stretch, shooting 39.5 percent. With season averages of 16.2 points, 5.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game, Cunningham recently went for a career-high 34 points to go along with eight rebounds and eight assists.

 

Josh Giddey — OKC Thunder (Guard)

The knock on Giddey continues to be his shooting, but overall he’s playing great all-around hoops. This season the talented Aussie became the youngest player to record a triple double. He also became the third-youngest player in league history to collect 100 rebounds and dish out 100 assists in their first 20 games, joining LeBron James and LaMelo Ball. Giddey has picked it up over his last 22 outings, averaging 12.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 6.5 assists. Solid stats on a team in complete tank mode.

Herbert Jones — New Orleans Pelicans (Guard)

Known as a lockdown defender, the former Alabama star has been a find for the Pelicans. Jones has excelled, even as the Pels have struggled, by taking the toughest perimeter defensive assignment nightly.

Jones has started 35 of 44 games, always making a positive impact. Lately he’s been dynamite, averaging 13.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game, on 53 perfect shooting.

 

Jonathan Kuminga — Golden State Warriors (Forward)

When the Warriors drafted Kuminga No. 7 overall, they knew he had elite athleticism and great size for a wing, standing about 6 feet 9. But what they didn’t know was how hard he works and his defensive versatility. With Draymond Green down, “JK” has been asked to step up, and he has. Over the past nine games he’s averaging 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. His enthusiasm and athleticism have infused the Dubs, and his play will be vital for their title hopes.

 

Honorable Mention:

Chris Duarte – Indiana Pacers

Scottie Barnes – Toronto Raptors

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