Mobley and Atkinson: Paving a New Path for the Cavs
As the NBA season kicks into gear, the Cleveland Cavaliers have placed a pivotal focus on their promising talent, Evan Mobley. Under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Kenny Atkinson, Mobley has become the centerpiece of an evolving Cavaliers roster. One can't help but sense a palpable shift in the team's dynamic, driven not only by strategic prowess on the part of Atkinson but also by the enchanted play of Mobley himself.
Appointed in June, Atkinson wasted no time in addressing how crucial Mobley would be to the Cavaliers' success. "How are we going to use Evan? How are we going to grow his game?" were among the key questions pondered during his interview process. Thus far, it seems the answers lie in unleashing Mobley’s offensive potential, which has elevated both the young player's performance and the team's prospects.
In the season opener, Mobley demonstrated significant offensive improvement, notching 25 points in just 27 minutes with an impressive 9-for-14 shooting performance. His enhanced aggression on the court has not gone unnoticed, with teammate Dean Wade commenting, "The way he's playing is so much more aggressive." This aggressive style is a testament to Mobley’s dedication in the offseason, where he worked under the watchful eye of skills trainer Olin Simplis, focusing on ballhandling and creation. Simplis noted, "This year, we spent a lot more time ballhandling and creating...turning his drive into a post."
A Leader in Transition
Mobley’s influence extends beyond just scoring. His growth as a playmaker is evident in his touches per game, which have led the Cavaliers according to NBA.com's tracking data. He’s nearly doubled his drive frequency compared to last year, often pushing the ball in transition following defensive rebounds and even when the opponent scores. These are crucial factors in Atkinson’s strategy to employ Mobley as a versatile offensive weapon, a role that he seems to relish. "Everyone's buying into the system with the new offense and getting me the ball, getting me the ball where I need it," Mobley commented, underscoring his pivotal role in the Cavaliers' gameplay.
His burgeoning confidence is evident in his approach, underscored by the belief in his own physical capabilities. "I feel like I'm just as strong as anyone out here," Mobley asserts, despite being listed at 215 pounds. The young star embodies the modern basketball player, challenging traditional position roles with his all-around abilities—a sentiment echoed by veteran Tristan Thompson, who lauded 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."
Team Performance and Outlook
The Cavaliers started the season on a winning note, going 4-0, and finished with a respectable 48-34 record, claiming the No. 16 offense in the NBA for the 2023-24 season. Their success was further solidified by a thrilling seven-game series win against the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs. However, their journey came to an end against the eventual champions, the Boston Celtics, in the semifinals. It was a test of endurance and commitment, with a rallying call from Donovan Mitchell, “Can we do that when we're exhausted?” encapsulating the trials of the postseason.
The development under Kenny Atkinson’s leadership and Mobley’s growing prowess on the court is evidence of a promising future for the franchise. Mobley's role as a central figure has not only emphasized his individual growth but has also ushered in a spirited atmosphere of collective buy-in and ambition within the Cavs' squad.
As the new season unfolds, the storyline of Mobley and Atkinson’s partnership continues to captivate, with the pair poised to shape a bright future for a young Cavaliers team. The basketball community watches with anticipation to see just how far this evolved Cavaliers team can go.