Cleveland Cavaliers: Building Around Evan Mobley's Ascendancy
As the Cleveland Cavaliers launched their latest NBA campaign, the narrative centered around one rising star: Evan Mobley. Under the new stewardship of head coach Kenny Atkinson, Mobley not only took center stage on the court but emerged as the linchpin of Atkinson’s ambitious vision for the team. Since acquiring the role in June, Atkinson's approach has showcased a commitment to making Mobley the hub of the Cavaliers' play, a plan reflecting his long-term developmental mindset. "How are we going to use Evan? How are we going to grow his game?" Atkinson pondered during his interview process.
Under his new coach's guidance, Mobley has already demonstrated marked offensive improvement, a transformation spotlighted in the Cavaliers’ season opener. Mobley put up an impressive stat line, scoring 25 points in just 27 minutes with an efficient 9-for-14 from the field. The matchup reflected a deeper trend: Mobley’s evolution into an aggressive, dominant force on the floor. As teammate Dean Wade noted, "The way he's playing is so much more aggressive."
Atkinson's influence on Mobley's playing style has been multifaceted. Integrating a system where Mobley leads the Cavaliers in touches and has nearly doubled his driving attempts from last year, Mobley is now a key facilitator in the team's offense. Frequently bringing the ball up the court, even following an opponent's score, the young forward has embraced a playmaker role not traditionally expected of someone in his position. Evan himself affirmed the team’s commitment to this evolved dynamic: "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 offseason dedication to enhancing his skills has clearly paid dividends. Training with skills specialist Olin Simplis, he focused on ballhandling and creativity, looking to turn his drives towards the basket into post-up opportunities. "This year, we spent a lot more time ballhandling and creating...turning his drive into a post," shared Simplis. This additional layer to Mobley’s game has fortified his confidence on the court as he affirms his own readiness for the physicality of the league, stating, "I feel like I'm just as strong as anyone out here."
For the Cavaliers, their 4-0 start to the season can be attributed in no small part to Mobley’s influence and output. His ability to single-handedly change the pace of transition play—pushing the ball forward after defensive rebounds—has granted the Cavaliers a new dimension of speed and agility. Garnering attention from all corners, Tristan Thompson expressed his support for Mobley, saying, "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."
Heading into the postseason, the Cavaliers built on their promising regular season, concluding with a respectable 48-34 record and securing the No. 16 offense in the league. In the playoffs, Mobley helped lead the team to a first-round victory in a fiercely contested seven-game series against the Orlando Magic. However, their journey was halted in the semifinals by the eventual-champion Boston Celtics, signaling both the potential and the growing pains of a team still finding its stride.
While the season's end might have left a bittersweet aftertaste, the Cavaliers' prospects shine bright with Mobley at the helm. His rapid development has become a focal point, not just for the franchise but for the NBA community as a whole. As the Cavaliers regroup, the larger question remains: Can Mobley’s burgeoning skills and Atkinson’s tactical acumen sustain their momentum in the demanding landscape of professional basketball? For the Cavaliers, this journey, despite its challenges, seems full of promise.