Orlando Magic: 4 draft prospects to watch in conference tournaments

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Feb 13, 2021; Pullman, Washington, USA; USC Trojans forward Evan Mobley (4) drives against Washington State Cougars center Dishon Jackson (21) in the second half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. The Trojans won 76-65. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2021; Pullman, Washington, USA; USC Trojans forward Evan Mobley (4) drives against Washington State Cougars center Dishon Jackson (21) in the second half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. The Trojans won 76-65. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

USC. Evan Mobley. . 519. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. C. player

For all the scouts who are arguing for Cade Cunningham, there are scouts who would say Evan Mobley is the best player in the draft. Despite his so-so fit on the Orlando Magic’s current roster, he is a player to keep an eye on.

Mobley is a 7-foot center, who is mobile on both offense and defense. He is the cookie-cutter version of a modern big man. He is a rim-runner, provides great rim protection, and has a variety of ways to score without his back to the basket.

Averaging 16.1 points per game, 8.6 rebounds per game, and 2.9 blocks per game, Mobley has made an immediate impact on USC as a freshman. He earned the Pac-12’s Freshman of the Year award.

He has shown the ability to handle the ball in the open court and create his own offense off the dribble. This mobility, paired with his ability to dunk everything, makes him a tantalizing prospects for NBA teams.

His individual defensive numbers in this season are similar to the likes of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Joel Embiid in college.

Fit for the Magic may be a concern, but if you are drafting number two in the draft fit doesn’t always matter. Sometimes talent wins out and Magic fans would have no reason to be upset at a 2021 draft that includes Mobley.

Evan Mobley and USC play Thursday night at 8:30 p.m/ ET in the Pac-12 Tournament against Washington or Utah.