When Kenny Atkinson first met with Donovan Mitchell after he was hired by the Cleveland Cavaliers, the incoming head coach emphasized the development of Evan Mobley as being key to the team’s success.
“‘How does this team make the next step?'” Atkinson told ESPN of his conversation with Mitchell. “‘No. 1,’ he said, ‘You don’t know how good Evan is.’ And then he said, ‘We have to empower him.'”
Mobley had become one of the NBA’s best young defenders, but his role on offense had stagnated. This year, there’s no hesitation in having Mobley lead in transition and be more involved in the halfcourt.
“I think that’s been my main focus,” Mitchell said. “I’m allowing myself to take a step back. I know where I can plug and play. …
“So, for me, that’s what’s going to take us to the next level — [Darius], Evan, those guys continuing to take that next step.”
“He’s starting to believe how good he is,” said Atkinson.