Kenny Atkinson's Impact on the Cleveland Cavaliers and Evan Mobley's Rise
As the 2023-24 NBA season unfolded, all eyes turned to the Cleveland Cavaliers, a team rejuvenated under the leadership of new head coach Kenny Atkinson. Hired in June, Atkinson brought a fresh perspective, one that honed in on Evan Mobley as the focal point of the team's strategy. This season, Mobley has emerged not only as a key player for the Cavaliers but as a driving force in their early-year successes.
The question Atkinson posed during his interview—"How are we going to use Evan? How are we going to grow his game?"—laid the groundwork for a season of transformation. Under Atkinson’s tutelage, Mobley didn't just improve; he became the centerpiece of a burgeoning offensive strategy, characterized by enhanced aggressiveness and commanding presence on the court.
Mobley's offseason dedication, particularly to ballhandling and offensive creation, equipped him to adapt seamlessly into Atkinson's system. Guided by his skills trainer, Olin Simplis, Mobley worked tirelessly to develop his driving ability and post-up game. "This year, we spent a lot more time ballhandling and creating...turning his drive into a post," Simplis noted, a strategy that bore fruit with Mobley’s remarkable start to the season.
His opening-game performance was nothing short of spectacular; Mobley tallied 25 points in just 27 minutes, shooting an efficient 9-for-14 from the field. Described by teammate Dean Wade as playing "so much more aggressive," Mobley has embraced his role with a newfound tenacity. "Everyone's buying into the system with the new offense and getting me the ball, getting me the ball where I need it," Mobley reflected, underscoring his comfort within the team's reshaped game plan.
The numbers back up the anecdotal evidence: Mobley leads the Cavaliers in touches, according to NBA.com’s tracking data. He’s not just touching the ball, though—he’s making plays with it. Compared to the previous year, Mobley is driving nearly twice as often. His initiative in pushing the ball in transition, even after securing defensive rebounds or opponent scores, has been pivotal. It's a style of play that blurs traditional position lines, prompting teammate Tristan Thompson to assert, "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."
The Cavaliers' early-season success has correspondingly elevated their profile. Starting with a 4-0 record, they set a strong tone which they carried throughout the season, culminating in a respectable 48-34 finish. They claimed the No. 16 offense in the NBA, a testament to their adjusted strategies bearing results on the court.
Mobley's contributions extended into the postseason, where the Cavaliers bested the Orlando Magic in a thrilling seven-game series. However, their momentum met its match in the semifinals against the eventual champions, the Boston Celtics. The series was a hard-fought battle, with Donovan Mitchell summing up the challenge, "Can we do that when we're exhausted?"
Throughout it all, Mobley has remained undeterred. His physical presence, listed at 215 pounds, doesn't overshadow his confidence. "I feel like I'm just as strong as anyone out here," Mobley confidently stated, a sentiment that echoes both his personal growth and his integral role in the Cavaliers’ evolving narrative.
In an NBA landscape where adaptability and skill are paramount, Mobley's development under Atkinson's guidance presents an intriguing blueprint for success. With support from his teammates and a steadfast head coach, Mobley stands as a linchpin of the Cavaliers’ future—poised to both challenge and inspire in the seasons to come.