Kendrick Perkins Compares Cavs' Evan Mobley to Phenom Victor Wembanyama

Former NBA player believes Mobley has 'that type of upside' to reach Wembanyama's level in next 2-3 years.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:20pm

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Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins made a bold claim that Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley could potentially reach the same level of stardom as San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama in the next 2-3 years. Perkins believes Mobley has the physical tools and upside to make that leap, though experts note Mobley lacks some key physical attributes compared to the 7'4" Wembanyama.

Why it matters

Mobley, the 3rd overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to fully breakout for the Cavaliers. If he were to reach Wembanyama's elite level, it would make the Cavs an instant championship contender in the Eastern Conference.

The details

Perkins, speaking on ESPN Cleveland, said 'In the next two to three years, we're going to be talking about Evan Mobley possibly how we talk about Wemby taking that leap. He has that type of upside. It's all in his mind, though. There's nothing that he's lacking from a physical standpoint.' However, analysts note that Mobley, at 7'0", lacks the sheer size, dexterity and hand-eye coordination that make the 7'4" Wembanyama such a unique prospect.

  • Mobley was drafted 3rd overall by the Cavaliers in the 2021 NBA Draft.

The players

Evan Mobley

A 7'0" power forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers, drafted 3rd overall in 2021 out of USC.

Victor Wembanyama

A 7'4" French basketball phenom who is projected to be the top overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Kendrick Perkins

A former NBA center who played 14 seasons in the league, now working as an analyst for ESPN.

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What they’re saying

“In the next two to three years, we're going to be talking about Evan Mobley possibly how we talk about Wemby taking that leap. He has that type of upside. It's all in his mind, though. There's nothing that he's lacking from a physical standpoint.”

— Kendrick Perkins, ESPN Analyst (ESPN Cleveland)

What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to Mobley to continue developing his game and take a leap in production as they aim to make a deep playoff run this season.

The takeaway

While Perkins' comparison of Mobley to the generational talent of Wembanyama may be hyperbolic, it speaks to the high ceiling the Cavaliers see in their young power forward. If Mobley can unlock his full potential, he could help transform Cleveland into a true championship contender in the Eastern Conference.