Cade Cunningham has been the near-consensus number one overall pick in the NBA since before the NCAA season even started. However, throughout the season, USC's Evan Mobley made the case that he belongs in the conversation with Cade.

Mobley is a fascinating two-way talent. He is a seven-footer with smooth hips defensively, long arms, incredible vertical athleticism, excellent rim-protecting instincts, and some interesting guard skills like ball-handling and passing. He is likely the best center prospect since Karl Anthony-Towns and that makes him enticing to every NBA team at the top of the draft.

Reason 1: Defensive Versatility

The new evolution of big man is all about defensive versatility. Last season, Bam Adebayo proved just how far that defensive versatility could take a team. Being able to drop to the rim and switch gives teams the ability to guard any offense. Adebayo can be a template for the next generation of defensive centers.

Evan Mobley has all the tools to be this type of player. In a drop, he could be a Rudy Gobert-esque rim protector. Wingspan measurements can vary, but Mobley has at least a 7'5 wingspan. When mixed with his elite vertical athleticism, he can high point blocks near the top of the backboard. He also has impeccable timing on these blocks and always manages to trick guards into testing him. On a switch, Mobley has proven incredibly adept at moving well enough with guards and wings before using his long arms to affect any shot. He is truly a generational defensive prospect and that gives him an incredibly high ceiling.

Reason 2: The Big Man Renaissance

Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Karl Anthony-Towns have brought the star big man back in the NBA. These are players marked by their guard skills to go along with their size. Nikola Jokic is likely to be the MVP this year, with his passing and ball-handling, he runs the offense like a guard, KAT is an elite shooter and scorer with continually developing guard skills. These big men are the modern offensive archetypes in the NBA.

Evan Mobley could be the next in this group of elite offensive centers. He is a great passer and ball-handler for his size, constantly proving capable of attacking defenders like a wing and running the fastbreak. He is a great passer in every situation and his post-scoring really opens up passes for him. He is also developing as a shooter and has a very projectable jump shot at the next level.

Reason 3: Unique Talent

The best players in the NBA tend to be some of the most unique. Before LeBron James, there was never a player like him. Luka Doncic, Kawhi Leonard, Steph Curry, and many more are all example of one of a kind superstars who won in ways that no one else did. The best of the best in the NBA are unique talents without precedent, and Mobley doing stuff like this makes him worth it.

Evan Mobley could very well be the next of these one-of-a-kind talents. Few prospects in NBA history have ever had the two-way skills that Mobley has. He can be an elite force on both ends and potentially be a true point center. His athleticism and IQ are both incredibly high-level, making for a rare combination.

Counter Argument: Cade Cunningham is That Dude

The biggest argument against Evan Mobley being the number one pick is simply the existence of Cade Cunningham. Cade Cunningham belongs in the argument of best prospect since LeBron, right up there with Zion Williamson and Anthony Davis. His potential as a heliocentric, wing creator is unmatched by any prospect since Luka Doncic. Cade is a generational talent and has been the consensus number one pick for months for a reason.