Central Notes: Mobley, Pacers, Cunningham, Bucks

October 24, 2021

Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff and his assistants have been showing film of NBA greats to rookie forward/center Evan Mobley to help him adapt to the pro game, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.

The list includes Kevin Garnett, Anthony Davis, Dirk Nowitzki and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Fedor relayed.

It may be paying off, as Mobley fronted the Cavs’ zone defense and recorded his first double-double in Saturday’s home win over the Hawks.

“He’s going to be a guy who’s going to get a double-double every night,” fellow big man Kevin Love told reporters of Mobley. “He’s got a huge future in front of him. He’s going to make a number of All-Defensive teams in his career. He’s just getting started.”

More from the Central

The Pacers were the first team since 1955 to lose each of the first two games by a single point, but rebounded with a nice home win over the Heat on Saturday. Two underrated reasons for the promising start — reserve guard Jeremy Lamb and backup forward Oshae Brissett, as relayed by Akeem Glaspie of the Indianapolis Star.
Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon, for one, realizes the importance of the bench. “A lot of the time the starters are not gonna be able to have it completely going and be able to make shots,” Brogdon said. “But as long as we defend and the second team comes in and gives us some energy and a spark off the bench offensively, we’re gonna be fine.”
Pistons rookie guard Cade Cunningham has been sidelined with an ankle injury, but could make his season debut Oct. 30 at home vs. the Magic, per Rod Beard of the Detroit News. Cunningham, 20, was the No. 1 overall draft pick. It seems he is still experiencing some soreness in the ankle and will not make Detroit’s upcoming road swing.
Tyler Shickert of FanSided takes a look at three Bucks who could be dangled in trade talks this season — pointing to center Brook Lopez, point guard Donte DiVincenzo and small forward Jordan Nwora.