WATCH: Evan Mobley's offensive emergence turned Cavaliers into title contenders
Watch my video below to learn about Evan Mobley's offensive evolution and how it helped catapult the Cavaliers into championship contention this season.
When the Cleveland Cavaliers were searching for their next head coach this past summer, their priority was finding someone who could help unlock Evan Mobley's game.
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While the 23-year-old Mobley has always been an elite defender — and was rewarded for it by winning the Defensive Player of the Year award — his offense has been a work in progress.
New Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson immediately jumped out among the candidates because of what he envisioned for the fourth-year big man. Atkinson's philosophy: Put the ball in Mobley's hands.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, the first-year Cavaliers' coach enabled Mobley to be more of a decision-maker. Mobley was used more frequently as the ballhandler in pick-and-rolls, using his gigantic frame to create advantages and find shooters. All season, Mobley consistently turned defense to offense, leading the team in transition by galloping his way into openings. He also became a more comfortable three-point shooter, knocking down 37 percent of his outside looks on a career-high in attempts.
All of this culminated in a breakout All-Star season for Mobley, and it turned the Cavaliers into the best offense in the NBA during the regular season.
For the Cavs to follow up their dominant season with a deep playoff run, Mobley, now healthy after missing Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers with an ankle injury, must continue to be their versatile chameleon.
Now and in the long term.
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