Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
The Cavalier’s strategy in 2021-22 was bold. It was experimental. On the other hand, it may not have been sustainable.
If it was, we’d see other teams doing it. The Cavaliers were able to pack the paint with rim protection by virtue of having three seven-footers on the floor at once. That’s great, but most of the league’s best teams will find a way to exploit the slow-footed Markkanen at the 3.
The Cavs can continue with their Twin Towers pairing. Jarrett Allen and rookie sensation Evan Mobley project to be a formidable defensive duo for a long time. Still, at some point, it feels like they’ll need a traditional wing.
Hayward would be a good choice. His secondary playmaking will provide this offense with a nice boost. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers can simply slide Lauri Markkanen into the same sixth-man role that Love occupied in 2021-22.
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They’ll still be zigging where the league is zagging with such a prestigious front-court rotation – just a little less aggressively.