Evan Mobley can only reach Kevin Garnett’s height if he does some things right, says the former NBA champion.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are ready to take advantage of this season’s weakened Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers have an actual opening as two biggest competitors were destroyed by injuries.
To find success next season, the Cavaliers will have to rely on their star players. And perhaps no player is more important than Evan Mobley.
Mobley has set his sights on the MVP awards over the next two years and hopes to build on the momentum of his Defensive Player of the Year campaign.
Now, when Mobley becomes the Cavaliers’ most exciting star, one former NBA champion believes he has to accept his gift and try to become like Kevin Garnett, but he doesn’t know if he can.
Former NBA champion Brian Scarablin spoke to the NBC Sports panel about Evan Mobley. He thinks Mobley is a good player, but he questioned his grit and toughness.
Scalabrine nurtures time with Kevin Garnett, and his vocal communication is key to his star player status. He believes that Mobley needs to have a similar personality to Garnet for success.
“I was lucky enough to be able to play with guys like Kevin Garnett… his aura, what he brings, he’s raucous. I don’t know if Evan Mobley can be that type of player.
“I don’t know if he has to be that type of player these days. Does he have to be the best player on his team?
“I was lucky enough to cover Jason Tatum.
“I think Evan Mobley needs to have that personality. Greatness is not easy. That personality will help you.”
It is a risky proposition for NBA players to adopt Kevin Garnett’s mentality or approach to the game. Garnet’s grit and toughness also had a brave personality that rubbed many people in the wrong way.
Recently, Victor Wenbanyama worked with Kevin Garnett to work on a better understanding of how to succeed with a thinner frame.
Garnet recently denounced modern NBA players and questioned their toughness and mentality. Perhaps he agrees with what Scalabrin is saying.
Mobley has the physical tool to emulate Garnett, but employing his mentality may be a step forward for a young star.