The Cleveland Cavaliers, with veteran coach Kenny Atkinson at the helm, have embarked on a transformative season focusing heavily on the growth and development of their young star, Evan Mobley. Hired in June, Atkinson’s strategic focus on Mobley is evident in the opening weeks of the new NBA season, which has already seen promising indicators of change for the Cavaliers.
Atkinson, known for his ability to develop young talent, spoke during his hiring process about the importance of expanding Mobley’s role, musing, "How are we going to use Evan? How are we going to grow his game?" This forward-thinking approach is a fresh outlook for a team seeking to establish its identity in a competitive league.
The Emergence of Evan Mobley
Under Atkinson's guidance, Mobley has embraced a more aggressive style of play, a transformation noted by teammate Dean Wade: "The way he's playing is so much more aggressive." This evolution is reflected statistically, as Mobley led the Cavaliers in touches and doubled his driving frequency compared to the previous year, according to NBA.com's tracking data. The emphasis on getting Mobley the ball in positions where he can score has been integral to this shift. Mobley himself acknowledged this systemic change, saying, "Everyone's buying into the system with the new offense and getting me the ball, getting me the ball where I need it."
Mobley's improved offensive output was on full display during the Cavaliers' opening game, scoring an impressive 25 points in just 27 minutes, alongside a shooting performance of 9-for-14. This start was a microcosm of what Atkinson's system is designed to foster—a more active and dynamic Mobley.
Training and Development
This evolution did not occur spontaneously. During the offseason, Mobley dedicated significant time to refining his ball-handling and creation skills under the guidance of his skills trainer, Olin Simplis. Simplis noted, "This year, we spent a lot more time ballhandling and creating...turning his drive into a post." This commitment to improvement has allowed Mobley to bring the ball up the court with confidence, even after opponent scores, demonstrating a level of versatility and adaptability that is increasingly rare among big men in today's NBA.
At 215 pounds, Mobley carries himself with a newfound assurance, asserting, "I feel like I'm just as strong as anyone out here." His ability to push the ball in transition following defensive rebounds is not only a testament to his skill development but also to his increased physical presence on the court.
Team Performance and Prospects
The Cavaliers’ initial run this season has been positive, highlighted by a 4-0 start and culminated in a strong 48-34 record for the regular season. Their offensive approaches under Atkinson secured them as the No. 16 offense in the league—an indicator of gradual but steady progress. Their playoff journey saw them triumph in a grueling seven-game series against the Orlando Magic, although it ended in the semifinals against the championship-winning Boston Celtics.
Despite the challenges, the Cavaliers have shown resilience and potential, with players clearly buying into Atkinson’s philosophy. Veteran Tristan Thompson offered high praise for Mobley: "At this point, there's no real positions. He's just a gifted f---ing basketball player, and I'm glad he's on our team." Such endorsements from experienced teammates are a testament to Mobley's impact and potential.
While notable opportunities for growth remain, the Cavaliers, equipped with talent like Mobley and strategic vision from Atkinson, are poised to continue their upward trajectory. Donovan Mitchell encapsulated the essence of their test, asking, "Can we do that when we're exhausted?" As the grueling season unfolds, maintaining this momentum will be the key challenge.
For the Cavaliers and Mobley, this season embodies a new phase of development, underscoring not just a focus on individual prowess but also a commitment to a collective vision. The road ahead may be arduous, but the early signs suggest a team—and a player—in the making of something special.