A personal opinion can often lead to unrest, potentially spreading like wildfire. This can create a dilemma in the locker room, leaving players uncertain about which side to choose. It’s never an easy decision, and few understand this better than Kendrick Perkins. When the trainer of Evan Mobley, the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, made certain claims, Big Perk was fully aware of the reaction he needed to manage.

Mobley’s longtime trainer, Olin Simplis, stirred the pot with a bold claim about the Cleveland Cavaliers’ early exit in the playoffs last season. He believes Cleveland could have gone deeper in the 2025 Playoffs if they hadn’t revolved the offense around Donovan Mitchell, who took 27.9 percent of the team’s total shots and held a heavy 41% usage rate. Simplis insists that a little more Mobley magic could’ve completely changed their fate.

Discussing the matter on the Road Trippin’ podcast, ex-Cavs star Richard Jefferson wasn’t having it. He lashed out, saying, “Hey, trainer, shut the f–k up. I will not respond to a mommy, daddy, or trainer. If you are not in this, if you can’t make that statement and look Donovan in his eye, you’re hiding in a gym working out.” He added, “I’m not saying this man doesn’t know basketball, but I am not responding to mommies, daddies, trainers, high school coaches, or wives when it comes to the game of basketball.”

Meanwhile, Kendrick Perkins dropped his warning. “Here’s the thing. Everybody talks about the offense. He was the defensive player of the year. Was his defensive impact there throughout the series? F–k no. Myles Turner did what the f–k he wanted, stretching the floor,” Perkins added. “You won defensive player of the year not just because of rim protection, but for your ability to guard the perimeter. I’m not saying he’s not that, but it didn’t show up when it mattered the most. Another thing for this young Cavs team: keep the motherf—-s outside your locker room. This type of s–t will break up a locker room.“

Big Perk recalled that Kenny Atkinson replaced J.B. Bickerstaff because he said he wanted to unlock Evan Mobley. He was DPOY last year, yet Myles Turner and the Indiana Pacers grilled the No.1 team in the East in the Playoffs. A 1-4 record against Tyrese Haliburton & Co. was downright madness in Jefferson’s eyes. “On top of it, they lost 4-1, right? Mhm. The f–k, bro? 4-1 ain’t close. They went away from somebody in the second half. That’s not 4-1,” RJ exploded.

It remains a mystery which game Olin Simplis had in mind, but the numbers tell a striking story. Apart from Game 4’s blowout loss, Evan Mobley logged 35 minutes a night in the series. He sat out Game 2 with an ankle injury, which Indiana won, yet across the other three losses, he averaged 8.66 second-half points in 17 minutes. The touches were there, but not nearly enough.

The real gap appeared in the shot charts. Donovan Mitchell launched 125 shots in five games, averaging 25 attempts, while Mobley took only 45 in four games, about 11.25 per outing. His usage rate sat at 17.6 percent, far behind Darius Garland’s 26.7 and even Ty Jerome’s 25.4. Simplis still kept it fair, admitting Evan must shoulder some responsibility, too.

However, interestingly enough, Spida Mitchell wants his wingman to be a bit more “selfish”. It remains unclear what the impact of Simplis’s comment is going to be on the Cavs locker room. Time will tell whether Kendrick Perkins proves himself right. Meanwhile, Mitchell seems to want nothing but the best for his teammate.

Amidst Kendrick Perkins’ warning, Donovan Mitchell’s true feelings for Mobley surface

Evan Mobley finding his voice has become part of the Cavaliers’ next big step. Even Donovan Mitchell spoke about it in his chat with Taylor Rooks for Bleacher Report. He praised Mobley’s 2024–25 breakout, calling it his best season yet. Yet for Cleveland to rise higher, Spida believes Evan must take charge, call for the ball, and own his place in the offense.

“My push to Ev is that I need 20 shots. But he has to go and say that, like ‘Give me the ball’, like being able to demand,” Mitchell stated. “For us to be great, he has to continue to take a step. So I tell him like ‘Nah, we need more’. Demand it. If I don’t pass you the ball, get on my a—; if DG don’t give you the ball, get on his a—. If Ty don’t give it to you, get on his a—. And be okay with that.”

The Cavaliers can only rise higher when their young star begins to pursue greatness with determination. Both his mentor and the leader see it the same way: Evan must own his presence, demand the ball, and make his mark when it matters most. Like legends who learned to share the spotlight while continuing to shine, his ascent depends on embracing that fearless attitude within.

Every dynasty starts with a spark, and Cleveland’s may be waiting for Evan Mobley to ignite it. Kendrick Perkins has issued a warning loud and clear, but the real answer lies in how Mobley responds. The opinions around him may vary, but his next move will determine everything. If he channels that passion, seizes the moment, and proves Perkins right, the Cavs could transform the noise into something unforgettable.