The Cleveland Cavaliers are experimenting with Evan Mobley’s usage to start the 2025-26 NBA season. This process has included some trial and error as they attempt to dial in the exact approach that will
lead to the best results for Mobley.
“The first five games were a little off-kilter, right? Probably force-fed him a little too much,” Atkinson said before the Cavaliers game against the LA Clippers. “We wanted to push the envelope, so I think Evan, a little bit of self-correction in terms of getting back to his efficient self.”
Mobley began the season attempting 15.2 field goals per game, including 5 three-pointers a night across his first 11 games. In his six games since, Mobley has been attempting just 11.7 shots per game, and has only taken more than four three-pointers once. He’s reverted to being more of a play finisher than a play creator. This might be below where the Cavs ultimately want him to be.
We all know that Mobley can finish plays. He’s been scoring efficiently since shifting back to this role. Mobley had 18 points on 9-12 shooting in Cleveland’s win over the Clippers, and is averaging 18.8 points on 54% shooting over his last five games.
That’s a good stat line. It’s good enough for Mobley to be an All-NBA player again. But is it good enough to take the Cavs to a title?
“I don’t want to pull all the way back with him. I still think we need him to be aggressive,” Atkinson said. “Long term, playoff thinking, he’s got to be able ot make plays for us.”
Finding this balance has taken some time. And, there have been plenty of growing pains along the way during the first month of the season. For instance, Mobley’s efficiency was at a career low when he was trying to create for himself. And, his turnovers are at a career high. This clunkiness led to a slower start for Cleveland.
Even with those growing pains, the Cavs don’t want Mobley to stop facilitating. Atkinson believes in Mobley’s playmaking as a legit weapon for his team.
“I do like his assist numbers, potential assist numbers are way up… I always say he’s an excellent decision maker,” Atkinson said. “But again, we’ve got to find a balance, right? He’s not Magic Johnson yet, where he’s bringing the ball up the court every time… and he’s smart, he kind of calibrates himself and reads the game.”
It might sound funny for an All-NBA talent like Mobley to be searching for his identity in his fifth NBA season. But it’s important to keep all of this in context. This is the first time that Cleveland has asked Mobley to carry this much responsibility. There will be a learning curve, as there would be for anyone stepping into a new role at their job. Let’s hope Mobley turns the corner sooner rather than later.
