Cavaliers' Kenny Atkinson Plans to Use Evan Mobley Like Kevin Garnett

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson plans to use Evan Mobley like NBA legend Kevin Garnett this season.

Mobley has often been compared to Garnett, but you can’t be Garnett if you don’t play with Garnett-level intensity, an area in which Mobley struggles.

Mobley too often floats in and out of games and doesn’t make the play-by-play impact on both ends that his ceiling might allow. His attention to detail, physical toughness and assertiveness need to improve this season.

For the Cavaliers last season, Mobley averaged 18.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 54.6% from the field, 29.7% from beyond the arc and 60.6% from the free-throw line. 

The Cavaliers made the Eastern Conference Finals last season for the first time since 2018. They lost to the New York Knicks in four games and Mobley was outplayed by Karl-Anthony Towns.

Cleveland wasn't interested in trading Mobley to the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was traded to the Miami Heat. The Cavaliers also had no interest in trading Mobley for Jaylen Brown, who was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 76ers then signed Dean Wade and Cavaliers icon LeBron James. 

Mobley is under major pressure to play like a superstar this season. If he doesn't, the Cavaliers will regret not moving him for Brown or Antetokounmpo, two former Finals MVPs. 

The Cavaliers will start James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Peyton Watson, Mobley and Jarrett Allen next season. Yes, Mitchell and Harden are future Hall of Famers and elite scorers, but for Cleveland to win a title, Mobley has to be the team's best player because he's got the most two-way upside. 

Cleveland opens this season against LeBron and the 76ers in Philadelphia. That will be an electric atmosphere.         

If the Cavaliers falter in the 2027 playoffs, don't be surprised if Mitchell, Harden and Allen are not on the team in 2027-28.  

Mobley has been with the Cavaliers since 2021. He holds career averages of 16.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.6 blocks per game and won the 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year award. 

Mobley has played in 43 playoff games with the Cavaliers. He's averaging 15.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Those numbers need to be much better for Cleveland to get over the hump and win a championship without LeBron. 

James left the Los Angeles Lakers for the 76ers in free agency. Everyone in Cleveland thought LeBron would come home in the summer, but he didn't.