Evan Mobley's Evolution: A Two-Way Star in the Making
As the Cleveland Cavaliers kicked off their season, all eyes were on Evan Mobley. The opening possession set the tone for what appears to be a transformative year for the young forward. At the helm is new head coach Kenny Atkinson, who took over in June and immediately spotlighted Mobley’s development as a central theme of his coaching philosophy. "How are we going to use Evan? How are we going to grow his game?" Atkinson asked during his interview process. Clearly, these were not rhetorical questions.
Mobley's Offensive Leap
Mobley's improvement was immediately evident. The Cavs employed a variation of the horns flare play designed to give him space on the perimeter. His execution—a pair of hard dribbles followed by a spin move—saw him glide from the 3-point line to the paint. Although initially unable to finish over Scottie Barnes, Mobley demonstrated tenacity, pogo-sticking back up to score. He ended the game with 25 points in 27 efficient minutes, showcasing a 9-for-14 shooting performance.
Under Atkinson's system, Mobley, who turned 23 this June, is stepping into a more aggressive role. According to Dean Wade, Mobley's renewed assertiveness is palpable. "The way he's playing is so much more aggressive," Wade said. "We really feed off it, especially when he's being that aggressive. It opens up everything for everyone else."
Transitioning to a Lead Role
This shift is underscored by NBA.com's tracking data, which reveals Mobley leading the Cavaliers in touches. He is driving almost twice as frequently as last year, often pushing the ball in transition following defensive rebounds. Remarkably, he is also seen bringing the ball up the court even after opponent scores.
Mobley discussed the change, attributing it to everyone buying into Atkinson's new system. "Everyone's buying into the system with the new offense and getting me the ball, getting me the ball where I need it," said Mobley. "It's a lot different, and I like it so far."
From Potential to Realization
Mobley's skills trainer, Olin Simplis, emphasized the work that has gone into this evolution. "This year, we spent a lot more time ballhandling and creating...turning his drive into a post," Simplis explained. "Just be ultra-aggressive off the dribble, creating for himself as well as for others."
This transformation is both physical and mental. Mobley, listed at 215 pounds, has been dedicated to the weight room. "I feel like I'm just as strong as anyone out here," Mobley stated, connecting the physical training to his attacking mentality.
Championship Aspirations
With the Cavaliers starting the season 4-0, the promise is evident. Mobley now functions as a "point forward," according to teammate Tristan Thompson. "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," Thompson emphasized.
The Cavaliers wrapped up the 2023-24 season with a respectable 48-34 record, claiming the No. 16 offense in the NBA. They triumphed in a seven-game series against the Orlando Magic in the first round but fell in the semifinals to the eventual-champion Celtics. As they aim to become a championship-caliber team, questions on consistency and endurance remain. "Can we do that when we're exhausted?" asked Donovan Mitchell.
As the season unfolds, Mobley's journey will be under scrutiny. Each performance will contribute not just to his growth, but potentially to elevating the franchise's stature. This season could indeed mark Evan Mobley’s emergence as a two-way star, a narrative that stretches beyond stat lines to reflect his burgeoning leadership and adaptability on the court.