Ranking the Sixers’ young core against every NBA team

Ranking every NBA young core — 6. Cleveland Cavaliers

• Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, Jarrett Allen, Isaac Okoro, Dylan Windler, Dean Wade, Lamar Stevens, Mfiondu Kabengele, Bodric Thomas

If there was one player who had any right to challenge Cade Cunningham atop the 2021 NBA Draft, it was Evan Mobley. He’s stupid good, and should thrive in Cleveland despite the slightly awkward fit. He’s a 7-footer who can spread the floor, attack off the dribble, facilitate from the elbow, and anchor the defense.

Cleveland adds Mobley to an already-stellar young core of Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, and Jarrett Allen. Sexton’s future remains uncertain, but he’s a 25-point scorer most nights and should net serious value on the trade market. Garland’s combination of pull-up shooting and passing out of the pick-and-roll make him the perfect modern-day point guard. His two-man actions with Mobley and Allen will electrify Cleveland fans.

Oh, also, there’s Isaac Okoro. He’s going to make an All-Defense team someday.

Ranking every NBA young core — 5. Phoenix Suns

• Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Landry Shamet, Jalen Smith, Ty-Shon Alexander

The Suns made the NBA Finals! There’s not much else to say. Devin Booker was the second-best player on a Finals team. Deandre Ayton was third-best. Mikal Bridges was fourth-best. You could argue Cam Johnson was fifth-best. The Suns’ youth movement, combined with the veteran wisdom (and absurd productivity) of Chris Paul, makes them a top-tier contender right now.

Booker still has room to grow. He has improved drastically as a playmaker since his rookie season, while Ayton’s third-year leap earned him a max contract extension. Bridges eared All-Defense votes last season, and his reputation will only grow over the coming years. It’s safe to say Phoenix won that trade.