A new era begins for Cleveland, with Kenny Atkinson on the bench… and Evan Mobley as the centerpiece of the attack in Ohio? The former Nets coach has indeed sung the praises of his new interior and outlined what he wants his team's game to be. Among his priorities, Kenny Atkinson wants to highlight Evan Mobley, and give him more responsibility to initiate the Cavaliers' offenses, sometimes too dependent on their Donovan Mitchell – Darius Garland backline these last two years.
Cleveland.com thus assures that Evan Mobley was one of the ” main topics of discussion ” during the interviews between Kenny Atkinson and his new managers, the technician developing a precise vision of the way in which he wishes to exploit the qualities of his power forward.
Kenny Atkinson wants Evan Mobley at the center of a more “modern” attack
” His talent has so many facets ” said Kenny Atkinson during his presentation on Monday. That was a big part of our discussion during our exchanges, how to take it to the next level. He's 22 years old. (editor’s note: 23 in reality since June 18)so he's naturally going to continue to grow. It's promising just by his talent. But I think we can through systems put the ball in his hands more often to be honest. »
Gifted on both ends of the floor, Evan Mobley was confined to a specific role under JB Bickerstaff, without much freedom from it. Worse, he remains on his lowest average of free throws attempted per game of his three years of career, in 2023/24.
” This will be done in multiple ways. ” continued Vincent Collet's assistant in the French team, with whom he was also when he received confirmation that he had obtained his new position. ” When you have a player that versatile, it could be bringing the ball up in transition, it could be as a ball handler when we're playing without a true pivot, or on the pick-and-roll. I think there are creative things we can do to help him. I talked to him about it and he was excited about it, but it's more of his overall usage (time on the ball) that can increase, and we have to find the best positions to do that. I know that's a big, big part of what's going to take us to the next level. »
In addition to the case of Evan Mobley, who could be extended this summer, Kenny Atkinson explained that he wanted to offer a more modern game and wanted, if possible, to be ” in advance » on the rest of the league. The coach highlights his return of experience to Brooklyn – « There are so many things I could have done better there ” he said – but also as an assistant to Tyronn Lue, then Steve Kerr, two of the most respected tacticians in the NBA.
Extension or door for Donovan Mitchell?
” We have four All-Stars ” says Kenny Atkinson. ” Evan is going to be an All-Star, we all know that. We have a lot of pieces available, and the talent is there, so we're going to work on adjusting where we can maximize the talent of the guys. »
A way to relieve Donovan Mitchell of his responsibilities a little, very good last year but also very targeted by opposing defenses as the game went through him. His management promises to be crucial, one year before a possible departure as a free agent. The Cavaliers hope to resolve this situation before the start of the season with a contract extension proposal.
Cleveland.com reports that the Ohio franchise expects a positive outcome, but would put Donovan Mitchell on the market if he declines to avoid seeing him leave in a few months without compensation.
