Evan Mobley versus Scottie Barnes has been a long-running debate that dates back to the 2021 NBA Draft. Cleveland Cavaliers fans have fought tooth and nail in defense of their guy being the better player throughout the years. The 2025-26 NBA season is tipping the scales away from that stance.
Mobley struck the fist blow, by a technicality. The Cavaliers big man got selected third overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. The Toronto Raptors selected Barnes with the following pick at number four.
Scottie snatched the chain during the 2021-22 season. Both rookies fought valiantly, but it was ultimately Barnes who came away with the Rookie of the Year over Mobley.