Did Evan Mobley indirectly disclose his preferred NBA landing spot?
The NBA Draft Lottery came and went on Tuesday night as the NBA teams saw their fate handed to them in the form of ping-pong balls. The Detroit Pistons got the top pick, and the Houston Rockets got the 2nd pick with the Cleveland Cavaliers rounding out the top three. For Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobleythe likely first two names called on NBA draft nighttheir destinations seem to be determined at this early stage in the run-up to the draft. After the lottery results came in on Tuesday, USC star Evan Mobley posted some photos on his Instagram page, according to Jackson Gatlin of Locked on Rockets. Either way, it is some food for thought. Previously, Trojans Wire discussed how Mobley would fit with the Rockets, though that was before the lottery. With the picture for the USC superstar a bit clearer, it appears that Mobley himself is expressing his desire to join the Rockets. After the departure of James Harden, not to mention Victor Oladipo and P.J. Tucker, the Rockets are searching for a new franchise cornerstone. Enter Mobley. He has all the tools to become a star in the NBA. He can shoot, score, defend, pick and roll, and he brings the energy on a daily basis. He was a huge part of the Trojans improbable Elite Eight run and flashed the full measure of his talent under the bright lights of the NCAA Tournament. As always, this could be nothing, but Mobleys fit with the Rockets would be tremendous. He and Christian Wood would terrorize opponents down low as a dynamic duo. As the days and weeks go by, this subplot will be worth monitoring, especially with the top pick possibly being shopped around and Mobleys talent level giving him a chance to rise above Cunningham for the top spot on draft night. Dont bank on that, but we will see if the Detroit Pistons are merely setting a smokescreen or if theyre serious about considering other options.