Dribbles: Cavs’ Evan Mobley Already Experiencing Change Under Kenny Atkinson

October 2, 2024

Random dribbles following the Cavaliers’ second day of training camp at IMG Academy in Florida on Wednesday. …

1. If there’s one big reason Kenny Atkinson was hired as coach, it’s to help Evan Mobley take his game to another level. At least, offensively. Mobley is already fairly elite on defense.

2. Seriously, though. After the Karl-Anthony Towns trade from the Timberwolves to the Knicks, Mobley and Jarrett Allen may form the best defensive frontcourt in the entire NBA. (Towns and Rudy Gobert had a pretty strong case in Minnesota, but that’s over now.)

3. Anyway, back to Mobley and back to his offense. Already, the fourth-year power forward said his role has “changed a lot” under Atkinson.

4. Mobley suggested the ball will be in his hands even more this season, that he’ll be utilized as not just a scorer, but a facilitator. Atkinson has indeed praised Mobley’s passing skills during previous meetings with reporters. “I feel like anywhere on the floor, inside, outside, I’m comfortable now,” Mobley said.

5. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out, as the Cavs have two ball-dominant guards in Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. That’s not a knock on either player — just the opposite, actually. But in order for Mobley to help facilitate, yes, he needs the basketball.

6. Frankly, since the Cavs don’t have any ball-hogs, Mobley should get every opportunity. No one on this team has trouble giving up the rock, as long as the recipient shows he can regularly produce. And if Mobley does indeed take his game to another level, it may be the only big boost the Cavaliers need.

7. Granted, we’ve only had two days of practice, but you do get the sense the Cavs are feeling as if everything is fresh under Atkinson and the mostly new coaching staff. Mobley, Garland, the bench … everyone has reason to step it up this year, as newness often leads to excitement and therefore, positive results.

8. One thing I’ve admired about Atkinson is he’s repeatedly stressed that it’s a long season and there will likely be hiccups. He is quick to add that injuries and struggles are practically unavoidable — and it’s about how you handle those things and come out on the other side.

9. Basically, a lot of coaches blow smoke at this time of year. Atkinson has been honest and reminded everyone that tough times come and go. The focus is on playing the long game.

10. Atkinson also talked about how the NBA is as balanced as ever these days, giving more teams reason to believe in big things entering the season. “There’s more parity in this league,” he said. “It’s a strategic plan; they’re celebrating it.”

11. In other words, you don’t have to be in Los Angeles, New York or some other huge market to have a chance. And he’s right — they love it in the NBA front office. The fans seem to really enjoy parity, too.

12. Along with that, Atkinson admitted the Cavaliers have a good problem in terms of depth. “Part of our identity is our depth,” he said. “We have 14 rotation players. But you play 10, max 11. Those will be difficult decisions, I know.”

13. The benefit of a deep bench isn’t playing 14 guys every game. It’s having players who are capable of stepping in when the regulars are injured and out. It seems that’s the case in Cleveland.

14. Mobley added that rookie Jaylon Tyson is his pick for the biggest surprise after two days. “He’s been great,” Mobley said. I wrote more about Tyson and his chances to see the floor in my earlier Dribbles right here.

15. It’s hard to believe, but the Cavs play a preseason game in less than a week (Tuesday, Oct. 8, at home vs. the Bulls). This is my favorite time of the year — when the possibilities are endless. It seems the Cavs are feeling that way right now, too.

16. Final word from wing Max Strus on Camp Kenny: “Camp Kenny, is that what we’re calling it? Very organized, very structured. It’s been good for us.”