The Cleveland Cavaliers: A New Era Under Kenny Atkinson
The Cleveland Cavaliers embarked on their season with a distinct focus and a fresh leadership approach. This new chapter is characterized by an emphasis on their burgeoning star, Evan Mobley, and the innovative coaching perspective of Kenny Atkinson, who assumed the role of head coach in June. Gradually, Atkinson’s philosophy has taken root, highlighting Mobley as a pivotal component in the team’s evolving dynamics.
Mobley’s development has been notable, with Atkinson's system placing him firmly in a central role—an opportunity that Mobley has embraced with stride. In the opening game of the season, Mobley delivered a commendable performance, scoring 25 points in just 27 minutes and achieving a shooting record of 9-for-14. Dean Wade remarked on Mobley’s transformation, noting, “The way he's playing is so much more aggressive.” This newfound aggressiveness has been apparent as Mobley leads the Cavaliers in touches and has doubled his driving frequency compared to last season.
Despite being listed at 215 pounds, Mobley’s presence on the court belies his physical stature. He often takes command of the ball in transition, even after an opponent scores, a testament to his enhanced ballhandling and creation skills developed in the offseason with skills trainer Olin Simplis. As Simplis explained, “This year, we spent a lot more time ballhandling and creating...turning his drive into a post.” Simplis's training efforts were clearly focused on honing Mobley’s ability to impact the game in diverse ways.
The Cavaliers’ strong start to the season, beginning with a 4-0 record, set a positive tone for the campaign. Their performance resulted in a respectable 48-34 finish and secured them the No. 16 offense in the NBA for the 2023-24 season. The squad demonstrated resilience and skill in the postseason, winning a taxing seven-game series against the Orlando Magic in the first round. However, their journey concluded in the semifinals against the eventual champions, the Celtics.
Atkinson’s influence has been recognized throughout the organization, as seen in his strategic approach to player utilization. As Atkinson pondered during his interview process, "How are we going to use Evan? How are we going to grow his game?" This forward-thinking mindset has come to fruition with players, coaches, and staff buying into the system. Mobley himself acknowledged, "Everyone's buying into the system with the new offense and getting me the ball, getting me the ball where I need it."
While Mobley’s growth is a focal point, the team’s adaptation to new strategies is equally vital. Tristan Thompson’s comment sums up the sentiment towards Mobley’s versatility: "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." This fluidity and adaptability are central to the Cavaliers’ approach under Atkinson, ushering in a dynamic style of play.
Still, questions remain about sustaining such vigorous play throughout the arduous NBA season. As Donovan Mitchell candidly posed, "Can we do that when we're exhausted?" This query is reflective of the challenges facing the Cavaliers as they seek to maintain their performance levels in pursuit of long-term success.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, under the tutelage of Kenny Atkinson and with the burgeoning talent of Evan Mobley at the helm, are crafting an intriguing narrative. Their journey this season is more than just about wins and losses; it represents a cultural shift within the organization, one that optimizes potential and embraces a flexible, player-focused strategy.