The Cleveland Cavaliers remain the top team in the Eastern Conference and, unless something wildly unexpected happens, will enter the playoffs in a few months.
Perhaps that is why head coach Kenny Atkinson is thinking about what’s ahead and how his squad can get better.
Speaking with Spencer Davies and the press, Atkinson mentioned how both Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen can enhance their skills during this stretch of games before the playoffs.
He said he is challenging those two to speak up more, communicate loudly, and really lean into their leadership role in the frontcourt.
“I was giving the Draymond Green example.”
Kenny Atkinson and Donovan Mitchell are thrilled with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen this season, but there’s an area where both need to improve to help the #Cavs achieve “the next step.”
They’re both challenging them to do it. pic.twitter.com/zQuzguzwvT
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) February 12, 2025
Donovan Mitchell echoed his coach’s thoughts, saying he believes both Mobley and Allen can learn how to speak more and raise their voices.
He knows they are both soft-spoken men, so this isn’t entirely natural, but he believes it’s inside both of them.
Mitchell and Atkinson want to do everything they can to help Mobley and Allen evolve and enhance these skills before the playoffs start.
One of the biggest fears about the Cavaliers is that they’re a team built for the regular season, but one that will collapse when the bright lights of the postseason start to shine.
Many people still don’t feel they have what it takes to topple the Boston Celtics, which is a major concern they will have to address.
Mobley and Allen have looked better than ever and are a frontcourt pairing that obviously works, but there is always room for improvement.
But with the playoffs in a couple of months, now is the time for them to figure out the holes in their game, mend them, and get in great shape.
Fans should be relieved that everyone is looking ahead because they would be horribly disappointed if this regular season doesn’t result in a strong playoff run.
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