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Cleveland Cavaliers Current Starting Lineup And Bench: In The Middle Of Nowhere

By Fran Leiva,

7 hours ago

The Cleveland Cavaliers are entering the 2024-25 season with several changes and uncertainties. After a disappointing second-round exit in the playoffs, the Cavs have made a few key moves to strengthen their roster and address some lingering issues. Despite these efforts, questions remain about their ability to compete at a high level in the Eastern Conference.

One of the major highlights of the offseason was the extension of Donovan Mitchell, who signed a three-year, $150.3 million deal that includes a player option for the 2027-28 season. This move secures Mitchell's presence for at least three more seasons and provides some stability for the team. However, the Cavaliers have also faced challenges, including speculation about Darius Garland's future and how his role might change following Mitchell's extension. Garland, who has seen his usage and scoring decline since Mitchell's arrival, could potentially seek a trade if his situation doesn't improve.

The Cavs have also been relatively quiet in terms of major roster additions. Their most notable move in the 2024 NBA Draft was selecting Jaylon Tyson with the 20th overall pick. Tyson showed promise during the Summer League and is expected to contribute off the bench this season. However, the lack of significant new acquisitions means the Cavs will largely rely on their existing core to make a push for deeper playoff success.

Point Guards

Darius Garland, Ty Jerome, Craig Porter Jr.

Darius Garland continues to be a key player for the Cavaliers. Last season, he averaged 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. His ability to run the offense and contribute consistently is vital for Cleveland's success. Garland's playmaking and scoring will be crucial as the team looks to improve on their performance from last year.

Backing up Garland is Ty Jerome, who provides solid depth and experience at the point guard position. Jerome's ability to manage the game and contribute off the bench will be important for maintaining the team's stability when Garland is resting. Craig Porter Jr., a promising young guard, adds additional depth. His development will be closely watched as he adjusts to the NBA level and looks to make an impact with his energy and skills.

With Garland leading the charge, supported by Jerome and Porter Jr., the Cavaliers have a capable group of point guards ready to take on the challenges of the 2024-25 season.

Shooting Guards

Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert, Sam Merrill

Donovan Mitchell remains the cornerstone of the Cavaliers' backcourt. Last season, he put up impressive numbers, averaging 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Mitchell's explosive scoring ability and leadership on the court are essential for Cleveland's aspirations. His knack for making clutch plays and his defensive tenacity make him one of the top shooting guards in the league.

Backing up Mitchell is Caris LeVert, a versatile guard who can score and facilitate. LeVert averaged 14.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game last season. His ability to create his own shot and defend multiple positions adds significant value to the Cavaliers' rotation. LeVert's presence off the bench provides a scoring punch and flexibility in various lineup combinations.

Sam Merrill rounds out the shooting guard position. While he didn't see much playing time last season, Merrill's sharpshooting and work ethic are valuable assets. As he continues to develop, Merrill could emerge as a reliable three-point threat and a solid contributor off the bench.

With Mitchell leading the charge, supported by the versatile LeVert and the sharp-shooting Merrill, the Cavaliers boast a formidable group of shooting guards. This trio combines experience, scoring prowess, and potential, giving Cleveland a well-rounded and dangerous backcourt. The Cavaliers will rely on this depth and talent to power their offense and provide stability as they aim for a deep playoff run.

Small Forwards

Max Strus, Isaac Okoro, Jaylon Tyson

Max Strus brings a new dimension to the Cavaliers' wing position. Known for his three-point shooting and defensive versatility, Strus averaged 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game last season. His ability to stretch the floor and guard multiple positions makes him a valuable addition to the Cavaliers' lineup. Strus’s presence will help open up the offense and provide spacing for the team’s playmakers.

Isaac Okoro, currently a restricted free agent, remains a crucial part of the Cavaliers' plans. Okoro’s defensive prowess and athleticism are his calling cards. Last season, he averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. While his offensive game is still developing, Okoro’s ability to lock down opposing wings and bring energy on both ends of the floor makes him a key piece for the Cavaliers. The team hopes to retain him and continue developing his skills.

Jaylon Tyson, a promising young talent, adds depth and potential to the small forward position. While Tyson is still adjusting to the NBA, his athleticism and potential as a two-way player are exciting. Tyson’s development will be closely monitored as he looks to carve out a role for himself in the rotation.

With Strus providing veteran leadership and shooting, Okoro bringing defensive intensity, and Tyson offering potential and athleticism, the Cavaliers have a diverse and capable group of small forwards. This trio will play a significant role in the team’s success, balancing scoring, defense, and versatility.

Power Forwards

Evan Mobley, Georges Niang, Emoni Bates

Evan Mobley continues to be a standout for the Cavaliers at the power forward position. Last season, he averaged 15.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game over 50 games. Mobley’s impressive field goal percentage of 58.0% and his developing three-point shot at 37.3% highlight his efficiency and versatility on the floor. His defensive impact remains significant, contributing 0.9 steals and 1.4 blocks per game, making him a cornerstone of Cleveland's defense.

Backing up Mobley is Georges Niang, who adds valuable experience and shooting prowess off the bench. Niang averaged 9.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 40.1% from beyond the arc last season. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting opens up driving lanes for his teammates and adds a different dimension to the Cavaliers' offense when he is on the court.

Emoni Bates, a young and promising talent, rounds out the power forward position. While he is still adjusting to the NBA, Bates’ potential as a versatile scorer and defender is intriguing. His development will be crucial as the Cavaliers look to deepen their rotation and add more dynamic options to their lineup.

With Mobley anchoring the position, supported by the sharp-shooting Niang and the promising Bates, the Cavaliers have a solid group of power forwards. This combination of experience, shooting, and potential will be vital as Cleveland aims to strengthen their frontcourt and make a deeper playoff push.

Centers

Jarrett Allen, Dean Wade

Jarrett Allen remains a crucial figure in the paint for the Cavaliers. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game across 77 games. Allen's efficiency was notable, with a field goal percentage of 63.4% and a free throw percentage of 74.2%. His defensive contributions included 1.1 blocks and 0.7 steals per game, reinforcing his role as a defensive anchor for the team.

Backing up Allen is Dean Wade, who offers valuable depth and versatility. Wade, primarily a power forward, also contributes at the center position when needed. Last season, he averaged 4.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. While his numbers don't jump off the page, Wade's ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and his defensive versatility make him a useful piece in Cleveland's rotation.

Can The Cavaliers Be A Tougher Contender?

The Cleveland Cavaliers enter the 2024-25 season with a sense of cautious optimism. While they’ve retained key pieces of their roster, questions remain about their potential to improve and become a more formidable contender in the Eastern Conference. The team's continuity is both a strength and a potential limitation.

One of the significant positives for the Cavaliers is the retention of Donovan Mitchell. Ensuring the continuity of a star player like Mitchell provides a solid foundation for the team. Mitchell’s leadership and scoring ability are invaluable assets that the team can rely on. Additionally, keeping Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen solidifies the core around which the team is built. Garland’s playmaking and Allen’s defensive prowess are crucial for the team’s performance on both ends of the floor.

However, the roster remains largely unchanged from last season, which brings about doubts regarding their ability to significantly improve. The team finished last season with a respectable record but fell short in the playoffs. The question now is whether maintaining a similar roster will yield better results or if it will lead to stagnation. The addition of Max Strus brings some new energy and shooting to the lineup, but whether this is enough to push the team to the next level remains uncertain.

The development of young players like Evan Mobley and Isaac Okoro is another crucial factor. Mobley showed promise with solid performances, but he needs to continue his growth to become a more dominant force. Okoro, currently a restricted free agent, brings defensive intensity but must develop his offensive game to contribute more consistently.

The Cavaliers have a mix of stability and young talent that could propel them forward, but the lack of significant changes to the roster raises questions about their ability to break through to the next level. Ensuring the continued development of their young stars and potentially making strategic mid-season moves could be key to their success. As it stands, Cleveland has the potential to be a tougher contender, but the path to realizing that potential is fraught with uncertainties.