Georges Niang has only been with the Cleveland Cavaliers for a short amount of time.
However, during that time he has noticed the impressive, powerful, and exciting skills of his teammates.
He has the highest praise for all of them, including big man Evan Mobley.
According to Chris Fedor, Niang was comfortable comparing the young forward to a wildly successful star: Rudy Gobert.
“I would say Evan’s ability to protect the rim is – I don’t want to make a quote and have it go viral – but it’s along the lines of how Rudy Gobert protects the rim,” Niang said.
#Cavs Georges Niang on whether he sees similarities between Evan Mobley and Rudy Gobert:
"I would say Evan’s ability to protect the rim is, I don’t want to make a quote and have it go viral, but it’s along the lines of how Rudy Gobert protects the rim."
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) October 14, 2023
Last season, Mobley averaged 16.2 points and 9 rebounds per game.
On paper, that is close to Gobert’s 2022-23 output of 13.4 points and 11.6 rebounds.
But Niang’s compliment suggests that the similarities go beyond the scoreboard and the stat lines.
He believes that Mobley’s drive and aggression in the paint is a lot like Gobert’s and that is very good news for fans of the Cavaliers.
The upcoming season is going to be an important one for Cleveland.
Last year got off to a great start and saw the Cavaliers climbing higher in the Eastern Conference than they had in years.
However, things ultimately fell apart when the bright lights of the playoffs shined on the team.
They are obviously hoping to change that in 2023-24.
If Mobley can continue to be one of the best big men in the league, that will certainly improve the team’s chances.
Niang played alongside Gobert for a few years when they were both suited up for the Utah Jazz.
He got to see Gobert’s talents up close every night.
So when he says that Mobley is a lot like him, people should listen.
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