The Cleveland Cavaliers did not find themselves making any moves this offseason, instead opting to improve their supporting cast. This led to an interesting way to describe their approach to the offseason in an article appearing in Bleacher Report. Greg Swartz chose modernized in his 1 Word to Describe Every NBA Team’s Offseason article.
“The Cavaliers should look far more modernized this year with Max Strus likely starting over Okoro and Georges Niang serving as a floor-spacing power forward next to both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley at times. Getting Ty Jerome (38.9 percent from three, lifetime 50.9 percent three-point attempt rate) was a sneaky-good addition to the backcourt as well.“
Modernized seems to be the right word. The Cavs were not a good three-point shooting team last year, and their off-season moves were aimed at remediating that issue. This was a team that found out they lacked true depth and were not going to out-gun anyone from deep as the season came to an end. Being able to bolster their depth, relegate a player to the bench from the starting lineup, and improve their collective three-point shooting was the goal, and they appear to have accomplished exactly that.
It is about surrounding their star players with capable role players. Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell can only do so much by themselves. Jarrett Allen is a solid big man, but he is what he is. Evan Mobley appears ready to make a big-time leap in year three. Mobley ascending to true star status would take this Cavs team to a new level. Heights that did not seem attainable for this upcoming season.
This is the core of players the Cavs are counting on to carry them to be a true contender. The starting lineup was essentially in place when the year ended. Adding Max Strus should round their starting five and make things a little less congested near the basket. That added space is exactly the modernization needed for this Cavs team to make a run.
