New Era Under Atkinson: Cleveland Cavaliers Focus on Evan Mobley's Development
The Cleveland Cavaliers have embarked on a promising journey in the 2023-24 NBA season, with Evan Mobley as the centerpiece of their campaign. Under the newfound leadership of head coach Kenny Atkinson, who took the reins in June, the Cavaliers have developed a dynamic strategy aimed at maximizing Mobley's potential. This fresh approach has already demonstrated its efficacy, as the Cavaliers launched the season with an impressive 4-0 start.
Atkinson has been clear about his intentions from the outset, famously questioning, "How are we going to use Evan? How are we going to grow his game?" This focus on Mobley has been evident as he has adopted a pivotal role in the team's tactical layout. Atkinson's system has spurred Mobley's offensive growth, clearly witnessed during the Cavaliers’ opening game where Mobley racked up 25 points in just 27 minutes with an efficient 9-for-14 shooting performance.
Dean Wade noted a marked change in Mobley's play, stating, "The way he's playing is so much more aggressive." This aggression has translated into tangible improvements, with Mobley now leading the team in touches, as detailed by NBA.com's tracking data. His frequent driving to the basket has nearly doubled compared to last year, signaling a shift in his playing style that highlights his strengthened ballhandling skills.
Mobley’s prowess goes beyond static positions, as spoke vividly by Tristan Thompson, who remarked, "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." Mobley's versatility is complemented by his ability to push the ball in transition, often bringing it up the court post-defensive rebound or even after an opponent's score. His offseason work with skills trainer Olin Simplis focused largely on ballhandling and creating opportunities, which has become a cornerstone of his performance. Simplis acknowledged this developmental dedication, stating, "This year, we spent a lot more time ballhandling and creating...turning his drive into a post."
This robust growth in Mobley's capacity is not merely anecdotal but is reflected in the Cavaliers' overall performance. The team has claimed the No. 16 offense spot in the NBA for the season, highlighting their offensive coherence under Atkinson's strategies. Mobley's attitude and physical confidence have burgeoned, as he stated, "I feel like I'm just as strong as anyone out here."
The season's narrative, however, isn't without its battles, as articulated by Donovan Mitchell, who emphasized endurance with, "Can we do that when we're exhausted?" The resilience of Mobley and his team was notably tested in the playoffs. Cleveland clinched a hard-fought seven-game series victory against the Orlando Magic in the first round. Unfortunately, their journey concluded in the semifinals against the eventual-champion Celtics, a formidable opponent who halted their advance.
Despite the playoff exit, the Cavaliers' record of 48-34 is a testament to their growth and adaptation under Atkinson's leadership and Mobley's emerging dominance. The campaign has heralded a rejuvenation in Cleveland, with Mobley standing at the forefront.
As the Cavaliers reflect on the season and look to build on their successes, Mobley's evolution remains central to their strategy. The integration of his skills in Atkinson's system manifests Cleveland's mission to nurture talent and pursue competitive excellence. With Mobley’s escalating drives, improved handlings, and newfound aggression, the future gleams with promise for Cleveland's fans and stakeholders alike.