The Cleveland Cavaliers are doubling down on their commitment to make Evan Mobley the centerpiece of their offense after consecutive second-round playoff exits. Donovan Mitchell said he has been in constant communication with Mobley about increasing his offensive responsibilities this season.
Mitchell’s usage rate spiked to 37.2% during last season’s playoffs, the highest of any player. The spike came partly due to injuries that sidelined teammates including Darius Garland, Mobley and De’Andre Hunter at various points.
Mobley’s usage rate has increased to 24.7% through the first seven games, up from 23.2% last season. He is averaging a career-best 4.4 assists per game as the team has given him more playmaking duties.
“Me and [Mobley] had a conversation, it was like, ‘Hey, last year he took a step,'” Mitchell told ESPN. “Now it’s like, ‘Hey, I’m not open … it’s you. That offense creation is coming from you. That’s what we expect out of you.'”
“He’s handling the ball even more,” Atkinson said. “He’s got to be a playmaker for us, and you’re going to see an increase in usage again. But I want that balance — between perimeter and getting him the ball inside and getting him the paint.”
Hunter spent the offseason reviewing film from Cleveland’s five-game loss to the Indiana Pacers. He concluded the series loss was more mental than physical.
“Game 1, that’s the game we’re supposed to win. We win that game and the series is completely different,” Hunter told ESPN. “We just kind of were mentally weak, at times, and they were mentally stronger.”
The Cavaliers are 4-3 to start the season after winning 64 games last year. Their offense ranks 26th in the league while their defense remains in the top 10.
Garland is close to making his season debut after recovering from toe surgery, coach Kenny Atkinson said. The point guard went through training camp with the Cavs’ G League team.
“As he goes, we go,” Cavaliers president Kolby Altman said of Mobley before the season.
“I just got to keep taking that on,” Mobley told ESPN, “Taking the challenges.”