Cavs Still Need Shooters, And They’re Well Aware

What’s next for the Cavaliers after they landed three-time Donovan Mitchell in a trade with the Jazz?

Well, what’s next is training camp, where Mitchell will team with the likes of Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley to presumably give the Cavs a fearsome foursome.

That’s all well and good and reason for plenty of excitement in Cavs Nation. But the Cavs aren’t finished.

Hoops Wire has reported both before and after the Mitchell trade that the Cavs are on the lookout for shooters. With training camp about two weeks away, that hasn’t changed.

And it’s not only the Cavs who recognize it. Outsiders also point it out as a bit of flaw, or weak link, when it comes to the current roster.

Two sources even told Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com that the Cavs have a “major problem” in the area of consistently knocking down 3-point shots. Granted, they have guys who can do it — Garland, Mitchell, Kevin Love, and word is, even Mobley has extended his range.

But it’s safe to say those guys aren’t exactly Ray Allen. Not that the Cavs need Allen, Reggie Miller or some of those other Hall of Famers from the perimeter. A role player will suffice.

And yes, they are on the lookout. Perhaps for more than one.

If the Cavs do land shooters, you can be sure it likely won’t be via some sort of splashy trade (though with president of basketball operations Koby Altman running things, you can never be too sure).

Instead, it’s more likely to be a signing, a training camp trial run, or something that happens during the season. Maybe Isaac Okoro can become that guy — knocking down shots from the corners while everyone else gets double-teamed. Or maybe this is the year Dylan Windler finally comes to life. For both of those players, this is a make-or-break campaign.

They and several others will likely get a chance to show that can be the outside threat the Cavs supposedly need. If that doesn’t pan out, you can be sure the Cavs will check the waiver wire during camp, or perhaps bring in a veteran who’s already available — a Carmelo Anthony or Wayne Ellington.

Those guys are old in NBA years, but they can still knock ’em down. And they’re cost-effective.

The good news for the Cavs is they are no longer viewed as pro basketball Siberia minus LeBron James. Following the rise of Garland and Mobley, and the acquisition of Mitchell, a lot of guys want to play in Cleveland.

Now, the Cavs just have to find some who want to play in Cleveland and can also really shoot.