He may not be top of mind to casual fans yet, but one of the NBA’s Rookie of the Year favorites may also be a long-term star in the making.
Cleveland’s Evan Mobley—the third overall pick in last summer’s draft—is turning heads just a few weeks into his first season. Now, the jersey he wore in his first regular season game is on the auction block.
NBA Auctions is offering the burgundy and gold Icon Edition Cavs jersey in its current round of listings. Bidding has already passed $3,500 with the auction not scheduled to close until November 30.
Mobley wore the jersey during the Cavaliers’ 132-121 Opening Night loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on October 20 at FedEx Forum in Memphis. In his NBA debut he played 38 minutes and scored 17 points, dished out six assists and grabbed nine rebounds.
The 6’11 Mobley left USC after winning Pac 12 Player and Freshman of the Year honors. His transition to the NBA has been unusually smooth.
Mobley has taken over the top spot on the NBA’s Rookie Ladder. In his first ten games he scored 138 points, snared 79 rebounds, had 23 assists, ten steals and 14 blocks. He’s averaging over 15 points and nearly eight rebounds per game and has been praised for his versatility.
“Not only is he extremely bright, and he picks up things quickly, and he can pick them up in the moment,” raved Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
His play has helped lift Cleveland out of the doldrums. After going 60-159 in three previous seasons, the Cavs won 7 of their first 11 games this season. While they recently lost Collin Sexton to an injury, Mobley offers hope that a return to the playoffs could happen soon.
A certain former Cavs star has also noticed.
“He’s going to be a damn good basketball player in this league,” said LeBron James. “They got a good one. Cleveland has a good one.”
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