Report: Miami targeting a new player who is better than Bam Adebayo, C..

admin | December 4, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Report: Miami targeting a new player who is better than Bam Adebayo, C..

Why Cav phenom Evan Mobley is studying Miami Heat film of Bam Adebayo

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cavs veteran Tristan Thompson has been referring to Evan Mobley as a young Anthony Davis — the latest Hall of Fame comparison bestowed upon Cleveland’s third-year phenom, who has been forecasted for greatness since entering the NBA as the No. 3 pick in 2021 draft.

There’s also been Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Garnett and Chris Bosh.

Perhaps Miami’s Bam Adebayo is more appropriate for now, especially given Mobley’s expected role within the Cavs’ offense this coming season and an evolving partnership with former Heat swingman Max Strus — Cleveland’s likely fifth starter

During Strus’ three seasons in South Beach, he built a strong on-court connection with Adebayo — the 6-foot-9 two-time All-Star center and four-time, second-team All-NBA defender who has become the linchpin of Miami’s D and a fulcrum on the other end with pick and rolls, dribble handoffs and post-ups. In hopes of developing that same chemistry with 22-year-old Mobley — a partnership that started blossoming during the team’s voluntary pre-camp workouts — Strus asked Cleveland’s video team to splice up some Adebayo clips for Mobley to study. Strus is seeing those same signs.

“Evan’s a phenomenal passer and has great vision, let alone being a phenomenal scorer already,” Strus said. “As young as he is and as talented as he is, I think me and him can build a connection together. I can’t put a timeline on how long it’s gonna take. But all these training camp reps, preseason games, first couple weeks of the season, we’re gonna keep building our foundation together and keep building that connection. Hopefully, by midseason, it’s as good as it can get. I do see a good future with me and Evan in those handoffs and stuff like that.”

Anthony Davis joins elite Lakers company in Game 1 vs. Grizzlies

Spacing has been the buzzword since the Cavs signed Strus, Georges Niang and Ty Jerome — a trio of threatening outside shooters who command a different level of attention than their predecessors. It’s only the first week. But players are already getting a glimpse. Beyond that, Strus’ movement-based skill set will allow Cleveland to diversify and disguise its offense

Strus and Mobley have both discussed the intricacies of a successful collaboration. They need to learn each other’s tendencies and footwork. They’ve got to identify each other’s comfort zones on the floor. Rhythm and timing are both paramount.

Anthony Davis joins elite Lakers company in Game 1 vs. Grizzlies

“Max just knows how to find the pocket at that right exact time,” Mobley said. “I guess he’s been playing with it for a while, so he’s used to that. I feel like it’s gonna be really good. It allows us to play in many different ways and spread the floor. Spacing is gonna be even better, so it really helps us a lot.”