Cavaliers
Peyton Watson’s first preseason with the Cavs offered a little of what they wanted and a little of what they’ll need to work through.
The shooting wasn’t especially encouraging. Watson went 8-of-22 from the field and 2-of-12 from beyond the arc across the Cavs’ three exhibitions. That’s a small sample, but it certainly wasn’t the introduction he wanted after shooting 41.1 percent on 3-pointers last season.
As Mack Perry of Cavs On SI detailed, 10 of those 12 attempts were catch-and-shoot opportunities, based on Perry’s own tracking. Boston and Orlando were also closing out hard, giving Watson something to navigate as he settles into his new role.
The other end supplied more reasons for optimism. Watson blocked four shots, showed useful help-defense instincts and helped create transition opportunities with his defensive activity.
That’s an area where he can make life easier for James Harden and Donovan Mitchell while his shot comes around. Cleveland doesn’t need Watson to carry the offense. It does need him to punish defenses when they leave him open.
The defense and energy are already showing up. A few more made jumpers would round out the picture nicely.
Heat
Bam Adebayo has made six All-Defensive teams. Apparently, that still leaves room for 24 better defenders.
Bleacher Report ranked the Heat center No. 25 on its list of the NBA’s top 30 defenders, a placement that drew a strong response from Mateo Mayorga of Heat On SI.
Mayorga argued that the ranking places too much weight on shot-blocking and on/off numbers while undervaluing Adebayo’s ability to defend screens, move with perimeter players and handle multiple responsibilities within Miami’s schemes.
That’s a reasonable distinction. A blocked shot is easy to count. Preventing a clean attempt in the first place can be harder to capture.
New teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo landed 15 spots ahead of Adebayo. Mayorga believes both belong in the top 10 and expects their pairing to give Adebayo more opportunities to show his perimeter defense.
Rankings are built to invite disagreement. Putting a six-time All-Defensive selection at No. 25 was certainly an effective way to find some in Miami.
Hawks
The Hawks have added another experienced G League player as they finish shaping their preseason roster.
Atlanta signed forward Giorgi Bezhanishvili to an Exhibit 10 contract, according to Brad Rowland, as relayed by Jackson Caudell of Hawks On SI.
The 6-foot-9 former Illinois player averaged 11.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists for the Windy City Bulls last season. He has appeared in 171 G League games across four organizations.
College Park looks like his likely destination. Atlanta already has Jalen Wilson, RayJ Dennis and Keshon Gilbert occupying its three two-way spots.
The Hawks recently waived Isaac McKneely, who is also expected to join the Skyhawks. These moves are more about building out the development program than changing Atlanta’s regular-season rotation.
Bezhanishvili brings production and experience to that effort. Any opportunity beyond it will have to be earned.
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