Perspective: The Cavs Still Need To Address This Roster Position
The injury to Evan Mobley has demonstrated that the Cleveland Cavaliers require another rim protector on their roster.
After the Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated from the playoffs by the New York Knicks last spring, fans and observers quickly identified one of the team’s main issues. The Cavs lacked the size and strength in the paint to compete with New York’s size.
Addressing the frontcourt should have been at the top of the front office’s offseason priority list. Despite the additions of Damian Jones and Tristan Thompson, the Cavs’ lack of frontcourt depth remains a serious weakness.
This is especially evident with Evan Mobley’s injury, which could keep him out for another month.
The Cavs have now played nine games without Mobley and have outrebounded their opponent in five of those games. The two games in which they really struggled were against the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans who have plenty of size compared to Cleveland.
Their struggles against these two teams could be a precursor for what is to come when the Cavaliers play opponents such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors in the coming days.
One of the biggest problems with the lack of big men on the roster is how teams have been able to attack the basket. Opponents are shooting 52% on shots in the paint ever since Mobley went down with his knee injury.
Mobley is an All-Defensive team-type player so it’s very difficult to replace his production. Plus, relying on Jarrett Allen to always be the one to stop the drive has put him in foul trouble the last number of games.
All of this makes it clear that the Cavs need to add another rim protector to the roster even with a healthy Mobley.
Cleveland has done a tremendous job forging a new team identity ever since Darius Garland and Mobley went down with injuries. They’ve won four of their last five games since the news broke and it’s been inspiring to watch them on the floor.
However, as the season moves on and we get closer to the trade deadline, I think Koby Altman needs to seriously considering adding another post player.
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