NBA Draft: How does Evan Mobley fit with the Warriors?

Is he worth the pick?

The ultimate reason I’m sold on Mobley as worthy of a top pick is that he profiles as a 4.5 type player.

He can play as both a center or power forward on both ends of the floor which is a unique skill for a potential franchise big. Two of my favorite frontcourt pairings in the league follow this model, in Milwaukee and Indiana.

Myles Turner and Brook Lopez are true defensive anchors in the paint who can space the floor well enough to play the 4 offensively. Their partners, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Domantas Sabonis are best utilized as centers on offense, and their strengths in space make them better when guarding power forwards.

There’s a chance Mobley could comfortably fill either of those roles at a high level. Very few 7 footers could comfortably pair with any frontcourt partner but I think Mobley fits in that category. He’d be a brilliant partner for Draymond Green on both ends of the floor.

Mobley also has the requisite passing and self-creation skills to excel in the role of a big in Kerr’s offense. He can legitimately attack out of the triple threat on the perimeter, combined with high-post work and a good screen game.

It would be a beautiful fit. The real question is, should they pay the cost to acquire him?