Former Champion Admits His Doubt About Evan Mobley's Ceiling

In the space of a few seasons, Mobley has become one of the most impressive big men in the league. Mobley has become one of the most feared defenders in the league because he can shine as a rim protector, but he can also serve as someone who can switch onto guards in the pick-and-roll.

Offensively, he is not as refined as he could be, but he has made significant strides from his rookie season. He averaged 18.5 points per game in the 2024-25 season, and he is primed to perform even better moving forward.

Some People Doubt Mobley's Ceiling

As one of the most gifted big men in the league today, Mobley is being hyped as a future superstar. He has all the tools to become one of the very best the NBA has to offer.

Most NBA experts do not deny his potential, as he is gifted with exceptional physical traits and talent. However, some people deny that he has the potential or the ceiling to become a superstar.

Former NBA champion with the Boston Celtics in 2008, Brian Scalabrine, is now part of the NBA broadcast panel on NBC. During the halftime break in the preseason game between the Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls, he spoke about how he sees a cap on Mobley's ceiling.

"I was fortunate to play with a guy like Kevin Garnett, who, just like his aura, what he brings, he's loud. I don't know if Evan Mobley can be that type of player. I just think he has to have that personality," Scalabrine said on the panel.

"I was also fortunate to cover Jayson Tatum, who was a really shy kid for the first four years. Now, he's a top-five player. I just think Evan Mobley has to have that personality to get. It's not easy, but I think that personality goes a long way."

Mobley Has the Potential to be a Top Player

For a big man, Mobley has unique traits. His mobility is one of the most impressive out of any power forward or center in the league. That makes him such a perfect fit for today's play style as a modern-day big.

With his offensive growth, Mobley could become one of the best players in the league. His scoring has taken a massive leap over the years, and that should be the path he will keep following.

The Cavaliers have the potential to become the Eastern Conference's best team in the 2025-26 season. Before the campaign starts, the Cavs and the New York Knicks are the projected top teams. With this amount of hype, Mitchell and Mobley will be under pressure to perform to the highest level.