Would drafting Evan Mobley change Cleveland Cavaliers plans with Jarrett Allen?
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The choice is not entirely theirs. What the Cleveland Cavaliers ultimately do with the third overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft will be determined by Detroit and Houston -- the two teams picking directly in front of them. For months, Oklahoma States jumbo playmaking guard Cade Cunningham has been tabbed the No. 1 pick frontrunner. Nothing has changed. Cunningham is not only the safest choice, but hes the archetype that quickly reverses franchise fortunes. Penciling him to Detroit -- if the Pistons keep the pick -- seems a safe bet. The Rockets are tougher to predict. With a new front office and in the early stages of a post-James Harden rebuild, Houston will likely eschew fit and go for a pure talent grab. Even though Mobley has been viewed by many as the second-best prospect, ESPNs most recent mock draft has the Rockets prioritizing Greens athleticism, shot creation and playmaking. That potential scenario has led to numerous questions about what the Cavs would then do at No. 3. The short answer: No. At least, it doesnt have to. While the Cavs will consider all options during a critical offseason, getting rid of good players shouldnt be atop the priority list. Before acquiring Allen in January, the soon-to-be free agent was on Clevelands offseason wish list. Only the Cavs werent projected to have the necessary cap space to construct a compelling offer sheet. With general manager Koby Altman coveting Allen for years, he took a different route, striking early and giving up a first-round pick while also sitting Andre Drummond, buying him out and labeling Allen the center of the future. One of our biggest successes all season was trading for Jarrett Allen, Altman said during his end-of-season press conference. He remains a remarkable fit for us, this team, our culture, what we need. He loves it here and wants to be here. Obviously we traded a draft asset to get him, so we certainly think highly of him and we want him to be here long term.  Drafting Mobley wouldnt change that view. Theres no reason to think the two couldnt play together. Most scouts and executives that spoke with cleveland.com over the last few days have been quick to label Mobley a 4, not a 5, thanks to his mobility, perimeter game, quick feet, athleticism, defensive versatility and rare ball-handling prowess for a 7-footer. Think 11-time All-Star Chris Bosh when he entered the NBA. Even Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis, who has repeatedly talked about his preference for playing the 4 as opposed to the 5. The Lakers won a title that way last year. Perhaps Memphis Jaren Jackson Jr., who looks best alongside burly Jonas Valanciunas. In this pace-and-space era, many bigs have lost value. But Mobley isnt the typical big. Hes a perimeter-oriented 7-footer who will never get played off the court in a future playoff series. There isnt another prospect in this years draft who brings Mobleys skill set. Few in the last half-decade do. Sources say the Cavs believe Mobley can thrive at 4 or 5. That versatility would give head coach J.B. Bickerstaff some intriguing lineup combinations. When Mobleys not playing alongside Allen, the youngster could assume backup center minutes, especially if the organization cant work something out with Isaiah Hartenstein, who is expected to decline his player option. Of course not. But Loves workload is expected to shrink this coming season and some in the organization wonder if Nance is more effective when his minute average hovers around 25. And its not like Suggs -- the other potential option at No. 3 -- wouldnt create a bit of a logjam at the guard spot. Either choice would lead to Bickerstaff doing some rotational gymnastics. Dallas?) handing him a ridiculous offer sheet, they could always consider a sign-and-trade, trying to boost another roster weak point. But they dont have to do that. Plus, two premier rim protectors anchoring the backline would be transformational for a starting backcourt featuring Darius Garland and Collin Sexton -- an undersized duo with obvious defensive limitations. Team decision-makers recognize the best way to have any success on that end is by surrounding that tandem with plus-defenders. Mobley, Allen and last years No. 5 pick Isaac Okoro would qualify. Nance, who was staring down an All-Defense Team selection before injury and illness, fits as well. These thoughts could all be for naught. Houston may take the decision away. But passing on Mobley because Allen is headed for a big raise would be foolish. So is forcing a separate Allen deal to declutter the frontcourt or clean up the cap sheet. Allen and Mobley are both good players. The Cavs dont have enough of those. -  New Cavs face masks for sale: Heres where you can buy Cleveland Cavaliers-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($14.99) and a 3-pack ($24.99). All NBA proceeds donated to charity. Pluto  Jalen Green scouting report: What hell bring to the league  Cavaliers interview FSUS Barnes, will expand draft search  What should be done with the No. Keon Johnson scouting report: What hell bring to the league  Garland invited to join USA Select Team