Predicting The Starting Five For The Cleveland Cavaliers
Barring some unforeseen trade that completely rocks the roster as we know it, the Cleveland Cavaliers have their team for the 2023-24 season. Koby Altman and the front office went out and upgraded by getting knockdown shooters such as Max Strus and Georges Niang while retaining Caris LeVert.
Let's take a look at what the starting five could look like with the team looking like it's set.
Point Guard - Darius Garland
The starting point guard for the upcoming season is a lock. Darius Garland will be entering his fifth season in the NBA and he just keeps getting better as the years pass.
DG averaged 21.6 points a game last season while shooting a career-high 41 percent from behind the arc. His assist number dipped a little bit from his All-Star season, but he still dished out 7.8 a game.
Shooting Guard - Donovan Mitchell
Another no-brainer here is that Donovan Mitchell starting at shooting guard for the Cavs. Spida had his best season in the league averaging 28.3 points a game and has established himself as one of the best scorers in the NBA.
There were rumors earlier in the Summer about Mitchell's commitment to Cleveland, but he'll be starting as long as he's a Cavalier.
Small Forward - Max Strus
Here's where it gets a little interesting.
It seems likely that Max Strus will be the starting small forward for the Cavs when the season starts. He's a tremendous three-point shooter which will help with floor spacing.
However, there is an argument that can be made for a couple of other players could be considered to start in that position too.
Isaac Okoro hasn't been a great offensive player during his career, but he is a solid defender. If J.B. Bickerstaff values defense in the first group then Okoro could easily be a contender to start.
Then there is Caris LeVert. LeVert had an open and down season last year, but he played his best basketball as a starter. He averaged 15.0 points a game and five assists in the 30 games he started.
With all that said, I think it will be Strus.
Power Forward - Evan Mobley
Evan Mobley will be in the starting rotation at the beginning of the season. Right now power forward makes the most sense, but Mobley starting at center is another conversation that could be had.
Center - Jarrett Allen
Jarrett Allen has been at the center of trade talks and rumors for the entire offseason. Right now he seems like a reasonable choice to be the starting center, but that could always change.
Cleveland's addition of Niang provides a much-needed scoring boost to the frontcourt. If he's playing well, a starting frontcourt of Niang at the power forward and Mobley at the center would be an intriguing duo.
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