Kenny Atkinson Identified Garnett as Model for Mobley

The Cleveland Cavaliers head coach believes the Hall of Famer provides a blueprint for the young forward's evolution.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Basketball

Kenny Atkinson Identified Garnett as Model for Mobley

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Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson has pointed to NBA legend Kevin Garnett as a stylistic model for 25-year-old Evan Mobley. The team aims to expand Mobley's offensive contributions beyond traditional isolation play.

Why it matters

The Cavaliers are working to integrate new offensive strategies that better utilize Mobley's unique physical talents and versatility. By moving away from isolation-heavy sets, the coaching staff hopes to elevate the efficiency of their primary frontcourt player.

Evan Mobley finished the 2025-26 regular season averaging 18.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. He maintained a 54.6% shooting accuracy from the field over the course of the campaign.

The players

Kenny Atkinson

He is the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers responsible for designing the team's current offensive philosophy.

Evan Mobley

The 25-year-old forward is a key member of the Cleveland Cavaliers frontcourt whose offensive usage is being re-evaluated.

Kevin Garnett

A retired Hall of Fame forward who is now serving as the stylistic archetype for the modern development of Evan Mobley.

The details

The coaching staff is incorporating inverted pick-and-rolls into the team offense to help create more space for scorers. This approach emphasizes specific positioning and movement to generate opportunities without relying on Mobley's individual isolation play.

Evan Mobley recorded these stats throughout the 2025-26 regular season.

Season Trajectory

By adopting a playstyle modeled after Kevin Garnett, the Cavaliers are attempting to shift Mobley into a more versatile offensive hub. This move could fundamentally alter the team's spacing and playoff viability by reducing their reliance on predictable isolation sets.

Increased use of inverted pick-and-rolls suggests Mobley may see a higher volume of touches at the top of the key rather than in the post. This shift directly impacts his fantasy utility by potentially increasing his assist opportunities and perimeter engagement.

The takeaway

Emulating a versatile legend like Kevin Garnett can provide a clearer pathway for young players to diversify their skill sets. Adopting a specific stylistic model can help athletes identify and prioritize the necessary movements that lead to higher scoring efficiency.