Cleveland Cavaliers: Kenny Atkinson Shares Honest Thoughts on How Team Attacked Game 3 vs. Miami 2 Mar 9, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson yells out instructions against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

'He’s Going to Be in the MVP Conversation' – Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kenny Atkinson Has Lofty Expectations for Evan Mobley After Winning DPOY

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 8:47 AM ET

Kenny Atkinson has big plans for the Cleveland Cavaliers next season, as the team looks to make a deep playoff run after a 64-win regular season in 2024-25 during his first full season there.

According to the reigning NBA Coach of the Year, if the Cleveland Cavaliers are going to be legitimate contenders, it’ll likely be at the back of an MVP-caliber campaign from Evan Mobley, who won his first Defensive Player of the Year award this year.

“I don’t want to put added pressure on him, but the truth is in these next 2-3 years he’s going to be in the MVP conversation,” Atkinson said about Mobley. “Talent-wise, I don’t see why not. I’m not trying to oversell him or put pressure on him, but I was just out with him two days in LA watching him work out. He’s kind of got everything.”

Fans Shocked as the Cavaliers Ended the Thunder's 15-Game Winning Streak 3 Nov 4, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) and forward Evan Mobley (4) celebrate during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

“You combine that with talent and the human being he is and the character he is, and by the way, Defensive Player of the Year, why shouldn’t this guy put himself in the conversation to be an MVP in this league eventually?” he added.

Cleveland Cavaliers News: Kenny Atkinson raves about the team’s acquisition of Lonzo Ball

The Cleveland Cavaliers traded Isaac Okoro to the Chicago Bulls for Lonzo Ball, which was a much-needed move after losing Ty Jerome to the Memphis Grizzlies in free agency. Head coach Kenny Atkinson is excited to have Ball, who is known for his pass-first mentality and defensive versatility.

Oct 16, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) sits on the bench during the first half of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

“(It’s) kind of important to understanding finding system fits, and when Koby (Altman) brought Lonzo’s name in front of me, I said, ‘Man, that aligns perfectly with how we play.’” Atkinson said on NBA TV.

“He’s a guy that makes other guys better,” he continued about Ball. “He’s a kick-ahead guy. He defends and has got positional size. It’s so important.”