The Cleveland Cavaliers have embarked on their latest season with a renewed sense of purpose, focusing primarily on the talents of Evan Mobley. Under the guidance of new head coach Kenny Atkinson, who took the helm in June, Mobley is at the core of the Cavaliers’ strategic plan.
A New Coaching Philosophy
Kenny Atkinson, in his early tenure with the Cavaliers, has centered his coaching philosophy around Mobley's development. During the interview process, Atkinson questioned, "How are we going to use Evan? How are we going to grow his game?" This commitment to nurturing Mobley’s skills has already begun to pay dividends for the Cavaliers.
Atkinson's offensive system appears tailor-made for Mobley, who demonstrated remarkable improvement right from the opening game. In just 27 minutes, Mobley managed to score 25 points, shooting an impressive 9-for-14, showcasing a more aggressive approach than seen in previous seasons—a transformation noted by teammate Dean Wade: "The way he's playing is so much more aggressive."
A Central Role and Rising Statistics
Mobley’s importance to the team is further underscored by his dominance in touches according to NBA.com's tracking data. This season, Mobley is driving nearly twice as frequently as last year, a shift supported by the Cavaliers' strategic focus on getting him the ball and allowing him to operate effectively within Atkinson's system. Mobley himself acknowledged the team effort: "Everyone's buying into the system with the new offense and getting me the ball, getting me the ball where I need it."
His offseason dedication, including work on ballhandling and creativity with his skills trainer, Olin Simplis, has evidently amplified his impact on the court. Simplis added, "This year, we spent a lot more time ballhandling and creating... turning his drive into a post." This evolution in Mobley’s game was on display as he often propelled the ball in transition, either after defensive rebounds or even following opponent scores.
Leadership and Physical Resilience
Listed at 215 pounds, Mobley does not shy away from physical challenges, boldly declaring, "I feel like I'm just as strong as anyone out here." His versatility extends beyond traditional roles, as highlighted by Tristan Thompson’s praise: "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."
A Promising Start to the Season
The Cavaliers have started the season admirably, posting a 4-0 record and marking themselves as a competitive force in the league. They concluded the 2023-24 season with a commendable 48-34 record, earning the title of the No. 16 offense in the NBA. Their postseason journey witnessed them emerging victorious in a hard-fought seven-game series against the Orlando Magic in the first round, only to fall to the eventual-champion Boston Celtics in the semifinals.
This early phase of the season illustrates not only the significant influence of Atkinson’s strategic approach but also the promising trajectory of Evan Mobley. As he continues to mature and refine his skills, his role as a centerpiece within the Cavaliers' lineup is destined to expand, much to the excitement of fans and the franchise alike. As Donovan Mitchell posed the critical challenge, "Can we do that when we're exhausted?" only time will tell how far Mobley and the Cavaliers can go in this promising chapter.