Training camp tips off in less than two weeks, and the Cavaliers look like contenders again.
But even with Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland (when healthy) leading the way, the question remains — what’s the biggest hole left on the roster?
ESPN says it’s perimeter depth. Fair enough. Garland is coming off toe surgery, Max Strus won’t be back until at least December after a Jones fracture, and there’s always the chance of more injuries along the way.
By season’s end, though, that could turn into a strength. Mitchell remains an All-Star scorer. Garland will eventually be back. Strus is one of the better floor spacers in the East.
And the Cavs fortified things last February by adding De’Andre Hunter, then brought back Sam Merrill and reunited with Larry Nance Jr. this summer. Lonzo Ball also arrives as another ball-handling option.
To me, the bigger hole is behind Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Nance helps, but the Cavs don’t have that traditional banger down low — the type of backup center who can eat minutes, throw his weight around, and protect the rim when the games slow down in April and May.
The front office still has an open roster spot. A veteran big like Thomas Bryant, Mo Bamba, or Precious Achiuwa could check that box.
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We have a championship sized hole the exact size of Drew Holiday plus Kelley Oubre plus one more piece I haven’t identified as of yet. Probably another heavy center who can pass and finish strong.
And if there’s a way to get CJ McCollum on this roster too, or a guy with his versatility shooting / handling, that would be ideal. Spida doesn’t even need to shoot as many threes as he’s shooting. If we had that third guard threat for when Garland is on the bench, the floor would stay open for our bigs to do their thing all game long.
Sam, please pass these big-hole solutions on to Cavs brass at earliest convenience. We don’t have a lot of time. Thank you.
And don’t suggest DeMarcus cousins at the minimum right away. Let them come to that conclusion on their own. I think he’s be great with our coach, personalities could mesh. Could be the perfect boost at great minimum value. He’s been blackballed a bit and it could be a win win for both sides. Bounce passes to Mobley and our offense, heck maybe even Allen sometimes, all day long. Too much talent to waste. Let him pass on his vet knowledge here. And cus we need a little toughness, a little nasty, but at not too big of a role on this team. A distraction to the other team, while our guys do their thing.
I could keep going. Lots of opportunities out there to improve this roster’s chances at a chip.
I agree with you 100% Sam. We desperately need a playable back up big with physicality and athleticism. An injury to Mobley or Allen during the playoffs again can spell an early exit depending on the match-up.
This is an amazing take. I will copy, paste, and ship to Koby Altman at once! Especially the Cousins idea. 🙂