Evan Mobley is developing into the star-level talent Cleveland Cavaliers fans have been hoping for. Last season, the versatile big man made his first All-Star appearance. He was also crowned the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Now, head coach Kenny Atkinson wants to see Mobley shooting for bigger accolades. When being interviewed during the broadcast of the Cavaliers’ Summer League game against the Indiana Pacers, Atkinson noted that Mobley should be pushing to break into the MVP conversation in the near future.
“I don’t want to put pressure on him, but in the next 2-3 years, he should be in the MVP conversation,” Atkinson said.
Mobley is the sort of two-way threat that usually finds itself in the MVP conversation. His unique skill set and room for development mean that his growth into a top player in the NBA is a genuine possibility. If he can continue expanding his game, and making a clear impact on the Cavaliers’ chances of a championship, his name should eventually be discussed among the best in the league.
This past season, Mobley played in 71 regular-season games, averaging 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists. He shot 55.7% from the field and 37% from 3-point range. He has more than enough talent to up that production in the coming years.
Kenny Atkinson Shares Vision for Lonzo Ball
During the same Summer League broadcast, Atkinson shared his vision for how Lonzo Ball can help the franchise. Ball was acquired via a trade with the Chicago Bulls that saw Isaac Okoro heading in the opposite direction.
âI think the alignment between me and the front office, the coaching staff, and the front office is huge,â Atkinson said. â[Itâs] kind of important to understanding finding system fits and when Koby (Altman) brought Lonzoâs name in front of me, I said, âMan, that aligns perfectly with how we play.â…Heâs a guy that makes other guys better. Heâs a kick-ahead guy. He defends and has got positional size. Itâs so important.â
If Ball can stay healthy, he will be a major addition to Atkinson’s rotation. His playmaking, perimeter defense and 3-point shooting will fit perfectly with what the franchise needs from the second unit.
Of course, the Cavaliers will undoubtedly be aware of the risk they’ve taken by adding Ball to the roster for the upcoming season. He’s barely played any competitive basketball in the last two and a half years.
Lonzo Ball Gets Honest About Joining Cavaliers
During his introductory news conference, Ball shared his thoughts on joining a Cleveland roster that dominated the Eastern Conference last season.
âI feel like itâs just a blessing, bro,â Ball said. âEverybody keeps asking me how I feel about the trade. Iâm like, s***, Iâm happy to still be playing anywhere. Let alone a team that has a real chance to win a ring⦠My whole life, I feel like Iâve been playing the right brand of basketball… I just want to play my role and do what I can to help.â
Ball, 27, played in 35 games for the Bulls last season. He averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists on 36.6% shooting. Now, he will be tasked with replacing the impressive Ty Jerome. It will be interesting to see how the motivation of a potential championship impacts Ball. Cavaliers fans will undoubtedly be hoping they get to see the best of the playmaking wizard.
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