Rookie Standout Evan Mobley Cleared To Rejoin Cavs

Cavaliers rookie forward Evan Mobley has cleared health and safety protocols and is scheduled to rejoin the team, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

A source close to Mobley confirmed the report with Hoops Wire. It has not yet been determined by the team whether Mobley will play in Wednesday’s road game vs. the Pelicans, a source said.

The Cavs are “hopeful” Mobley will play, but aren’t likely to make a decision until after a pregame workout, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.

The news on Mobley comes at a time when the Cavs announced that starting point guard Darius Garland has entered the protocol himself (full post). So the timely return of a starter such as Mobley will undoubtedly help.

The Cavs (20-13) also just got back guard/forward Isaac Okoro, who cleared protocols over the weekend. As of this writing, starting center Jarrett Allen, forward Cedi Osman and several others remain sidelined after positive COVID tests.

Mobley, 20, is 7-foot-0 and is averaging 13.8 points and 8.3 rebounds in 25 games, and has already become one of the NBA’s top interior defenders. He missed several games earlier this season with an elbow injury.

The No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Mobley has been a major force in Cleveland’s surprising start. Overall, the Cavs have won seven of eight entering Wednesday night.