The Cleveland Cavaliers made a big splash this offseason by acquiring Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz. Adding him to the lineup along with Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley give Cleveland one of the best quartets in the NBA to build their roster around.
Expectations have increased with Mitchell coming to town. After losing to the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Play-In Tournament and missing the 2022 postseason, the Cavaliers are poised to move up the standings in the Eastern Conference.
How far they move up the standings, however, could come down to the production they get from the small forward spot. Cleveland has as good of a top-four as any team in the NBA and has strong depth with veterans Kevin Love and eventually Ricky Rubio leading the second unit. Currently, there is a glaring hole at the 3-spot and there will be an open competition for the last spot in the starting five.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff revealed that six players are vying for that spot; Cedi Osman, Dylan Windler, Dean Wade, Caris LeVert, Lamar Stevens and Isaac Okoro. LeVert is the only accomplished player out of that group but could be miscast given what the Cavaliers are going to ask their small forward to do.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder, Phoenix Suns & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
He could be best suited to lead the second unit with his ball-handling, playmaking and scoring ability. Okoro is likely who the Cavaliers would like to see seize the job as he is already a stout defender but has struggled mightily on offense thus far in his career.
If the Cavaliers could combine LeVert and Okoro, they would have the perfect small forward to round out their rotation. Unfortunately, that is not possible, which may be why they are looking outside the organization for help.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder, Phoenix Suns & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
According to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, the Cavaliers have shown an interest in Phoenix Suns veteran Jae Crowder. Crowder requested a trade after it became evident his role would be diminished as the Suns want to expand the playing time of Cam Johnson.
“If, however, you prefer to make the case that the Cavs are one player away from serious championship contention, the evidence is at the small forward spot. It’s why Cleveland is said to have interest in trading for Jae Crowder from the Suns, who is available and is a proven 3-and-D big body who could bang against the Kevin Durants and Jimmy Butlers and Jayson Tatums of the East.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder, Phoenix Suns & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Crowder would be an excellent pickup for the Cavaliers, providing a lot of what they are looking for in a small forward. Knocking on the door of becoming contenders, Cleveland should aggressively pursue a veteran of Crowder’s caliber to round out their rotation.
