Mobley's Evolution: Central to Cavaliers' Strategy
The Cleveland Cavaliers have kick-started their season with a renewed focus, pivoting around the impactful presence of Evan Mobley. As the season progresses, Mobley's pivotal role isn't just about numbers on the stat sheet but a testament to how new head coach Kenny Atkinson has designed the team's strategy around him.
The decision to have Atkinson at the helm, made back in June, has already begun bearing fruit. It was clear from the outset that Mobley would be a cornerstone in Atkinson's basketball philosophy. "How are we going to use Evan? How are we going to grow his game?" Atkinson pondered during his interview process, underlining the importance placed on Mobley's development from the very beginning.
Mobley's transformation has been evident on the court, showcasing an elevated aggressiveness that teammates have taken note of. "The way he's playing is so much more aggressive," observed teammate Dean Wade, a sentiment shared across the Cavaliers' locker room.
In their opening game, Mobley displayed a remarkable offensive leap, pouring in 25 points in just 27 minutes on an efficient 9-for-14 shooting. His assertive performance was not an anomaly but rather the embodiment of a player who is driving the Cavaliers’ charge this season. The fact that Mobley leads the team in touches, as confirmed by NBA.com's tracking data, underscores his enhanced responsibility within the squad.
The offensive system devised by Atkinson revolves around getting Mobley the ball in the right spots. "Everyone's buying into the system with the new offense and getting me the ball, getting me the ball where I need it," Mobley mentioned, highlighting the collective effort to maximize his talents. This nuanced approach has not only empowered Mobley but catalyzed the Cavaliers' overall gameplay.
Beyond his ability to score, Mobley's game is becoming more dynamic. His offseason focus with skills trainer, Olin Simplis, on ballhandling and creating has expanded his repertoire. "This year, we spent a lot more time ballhandling and creating...turning his drive into a post," noted Simplis, reflecting the dedication behind Mobley's development. This work has borne fruit on the court, where he's driving nearly twice as frequently as last year and consistently pushing the ball in transition, even after securing defensive rebounds or following opponent scores.
The Cavaliers have started the season 4-0, a promising sign of things to come, as Mobley's multifaceted contribution remains central to their success. Mobley's confidence is palpable, "I feel like I'm just as strong as anyone out here," he articulated, and his teammates echo this sentiment. As veteran Tristan Thompson noted, "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."
While individual brilliance matters, the cohesive fabric of the team is the ultimate test of Mobley's impact. By the season's end, the Cavaliers boasted a 48-34 record, achieving the No. 16 offense in the league. Their postseason journey witnessed them overcoming the Orlando Magic in a grueling seven-game series before succumbing in the semifinals to the eventual champions, the Boston Celtics.
The season marks a critical chapter in Mobley's career trajectory and the Cavaliers' journey as a formidable force in the league. As Donovan Mitchell queried, "Can we do that when we're exhausted?" the implicit challenge remains—to sustain this level of play through the rigors of an NBA season. For Mobley and the Cavaliers, the answer to that question could well define their pursuits moving forward.