Cleveland Cavaliers training camp opens with battle for starting small forward spot; Who is the frontrunner?
You have to read about 90% of this to learn as you expected in the first place that Okoro is the frontrunner.
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- On Sunday night, media day eve, the Cleveland Cavaliers gathered at Dante -- Michelin Starred Chef Dante Boccuzzi’s eponymous Modern American restaurant in Tremont -- for their annual pre-camp team dinner where head coach J.B. Bickerstaff delivered a straightforward message.
“We need to be the most competitive and most selfless team on the floor at all times,” he said.
It was an on-brand message from Bickerstaff, who has been preaching that decree since taking over as head coach in 2020 following John Beilein’s resignation. There are reminders of those words plastered on the walls inside the team’s practice facility and the locker room at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Players utter them each time they speak about the upcoming season.
To bring home his point about selflessness -- an even more important edict following the trade for NBA star Donovan Mitchell that requires sacrifice and adjustment -- Bickerstaff turned to one of his favorite parables: The Divine Comedy.
The narrative poem written by Dante Alighieri has three parts -- Inferno (hell), Purgatorio (purgatory) and Paradiso (heaven) -- and is intended to show the horrors that souls would go through if they did not obey God’s laws and failed to live righteously. Bickerstaff mentioned a specific example from the parable about heaven and hell and how the ultimate destination was tied to a choice: feed yourself first or feed others.
The other part of Bickerstaff’s message -- about competition -- will take care of itself. That started in earnest Tuesday morning with a battle for the starting small forward spot.
Four of the five slots in the starting group are locked in. Mitchell. Darius Garland. Evan Mobley. Jarrett Allen. Four All-Star caliber players. It has the makings of one of the league’s most devastating quintets. But Lauri Markkanen’s offseason departure (traded to Utah as a piece of the Mitchell blockbuster) left a 7-foot hole at the 3 -- and blew up the tall-ball experiment that became part of Cleveland’s identity during a turnaround season.
So, now what?
“We’re looking for who fits the best,” Bickerstaff said following the team’s first official practice. “What we try to do is put together the best five-man units that we possibly can. We feel like we are a deep team, and your first unit, second unit, third unit once you make your rotations -- we’re trying to create as strong of units as we possibly can. It’s not something where we’re gonna rotate it or anything like that. It’s something that we want to put together so guys have an understanding of who they are and where they fit and when their minutes are gonna come. Whoever can help that group be the best on both ends of the floor, that’s the group we’ll put in. That doesn’t always mean that’s the group that you finish games with. I think there can be two separate groups here.”
The goal is to have a locked-in starter by the end of the preseason. Just like last year, when Bickerstaff began dabbling with the idea of Markkanen at the 3 instead of the 4, preseason will provide a platform to experiment, allowing the coaches to make the best possible decision based on a combination of film, stats and the ever-important eye test.
“We may throw some wild lineups out on the floor because that’s what we like to do,” Bickerstaff said sheepishly.
In his own words, there are “a lot of players” in the running for the starting gig and there isn’t a frontrunner. According to Bickerstaff, Cedi Osman, Dean Wade, Isaac Okoro, Caris LeVert, Lamar Stevens and Dylan Windler are the contenders. That’s almost half the roster.
Windler? The 2019 first-round pick whose career has never taken off because of injury, lack of confidence and inconsistency? The guy who is averaging 3.3 points during his frustrating career? How? Why?
“He’s been phenomenal since he’s been back here starting after Labor Day,” Bickerstaff said. “You watch the work he’s put in, but you watch the guys that play pickup, and he’s brought himself and his game to another level. What we’ve seen so far, and again, we want to give people an opportunity, that’s what this is about. That competition is gonna push everybody else to be better. I know we have certain guys who have just earned it, but they’re competing too, and they’re being pushed and they’re pushing each other. It’s gonna raise the whole level of the team. Imagine what your practices are like. Now you’re moving into games and everybody’s taking a step up. Everybody’s gonna have an opportunity to earn it.”
Windler, 26, spent most of the summer working out in Nashville alongside Garland. He mixed in a vacation to Turks and Caicos and trips to Los Angeles and Las Vegas. It was the first real offseason he’s had since coming into the league. At least, one that didn’t consist of recovering an injury.
Those dark rehab days early in his career kept him from valuable development opportunities. This summer, he was able to actually work on his game and improve his flaws. Clear-minded and confident, Windler is moving how he wants, scorching the nets, jumping with ease off the once-achy leg and turning heads. But to this point, the idea of Windler as a lethal, movement-based marksmen with length and active hands has been more thrilling than the actual on-court production. Perhaps this is the year it all clicks -- and he finally stays healthy. There’s a clear role if that happens.
While Bickerstaff maintains each guy is on equal footing heading into camp, that public response doesn’t pass the smell test. It’s a bit of a stretch to think Bickerstaff -- and his assistants -- don’t have a general hierarchy, especially after gathering for the annual coach’s retreat in late August to discuss various possibilities and strategies.
There are different approaches. Each NBA coach do it their own way. Some may opt for the best, most talented players and let that drive the decision. Others may lean toward fit. Some may stress offensive impact while others think about the opposite end.
What will Bickerstaff prioritize?
“We’ve gone back and forth on that, I’ll be honest with you guys,” he said. “But we’re gonna give it an opportunity and see exactly what works best and what is the most troublesome for defenses.”
No matter what Bickerstaff decides, there will be some give and take -- unless the Cavs make another unexpected trade for a bonafide starter-quality, two-way wing ahead of the season opener on Oct. 19.
Osman, LeVert and Windler provide more of an offensive punch while Okoro and Stevens have carved a niche as tough, tenacious and gritty defenders. Wade, who officially signed his three-year, $18.5 million extension Monday morning, might be the best offense-defense blend of the six candidates. At 6-foot-9, he also keeps the tall-ball look alive.
“That’s the thing we keep talking to Dean about is like, he’s just scratching the surface,” Bickerstaff said of the 25-year-old forward. “We believe sometimes that he’s a better player than he may believe at times. There is more there. I think as his confidence grows and his opportunities grow, we’ll see a lot more of those things.”
With each player eager for the competition, there’s an iron-sharpens-iron feel.
“I think that brings the best out of guys. I think that’s only going to make us better. I think guys are going to approach it the right way,” Mitchell said. “Whoever it may be, you’ve got to earn it and you’ve got to work for it. That’s not only going to help the guys trying out for the 3 spot, but also everybody around the team because the intensity’s going to be high, every possession is going to matter, every practice, every situation, little details. We have depth in that way as well.”
Wade said his mindset doesn’t change simply because he’s chasing a starting spot. Not only did he make 28 starts last season but he also went through stretches where he was out of the rotation. Even though it can be a mental challenge, he’s learned to accept the ups and downs of that ever-changing role. Same goes for LeVert, who has bounced between starter and reserve at all three of his NBA stops -- Brooklyn, Indiana and Cleveland.
“As a basketball player, you just kind of want to be in a position to help the team be successful, especially when you’re on a good team like we have here,” LeVert said. “I’m very confident in myself that I can succeed in whatever role I’m throw in. I’ve been a starter. Came off the bench. I’ve done both my whole career. I’m a team guy. Always have been. Whatever the team needs from me I will be ready to do that.”
Just a few weeks ago, LeVert was viewed internally as the starting shooting guard, expected to form an explosive backcourt with Garland. Then Mitchell arrived, putting LeVert’s role in limbo.
Because of his ball-dominant, score-first, attacking play style, he seems like a logical sixth man candidate. That would allow him to enjoy a different level of playmaking freedom without any potential on-court stylistic conflicts with the Garland-Mitchell tandem.
But there’s also intrigue in a shot-creation-heavy lineup that causes headaches for opposing defenses. Garland, Mitchell and LeVert demand plenty of defensive attention. How would opponents approach it with all three on the floor at the same time? Plus, Bickerstaff likes LeVert’s size, length, athleticism and switchability.
Early in his career, LeVert was used as Brooklyn’s defensive stopper. Could he reprise that role and accept less offensive responsibility? Bickerstaff has tried to breed an environment where every player feels like they can be the best version of themselves. Would that role qualify for LeVert? Could he show that selflessness Bickerstaff is demanding?
“The threat of having Caris and Donovan on the back side, defenses are going to have to make decisions,” Bickerstaff explained. “If they make the decision to go and help, then Donovan or Darius has to make the right pass to whoever’s on the back side. If (the defenders) decide to stay home, now they’re working 1-on-1 opportunities and that’s the advantage. I think that’s how we’re gonna have to think about it. When you have guys who are so used to having the ball in their hands, it takes time for them to get used to it.”
No matter how erratic, Osman and Windler bring floor spacing and 3-point shooting -- traits Stevens, Okoro and, to a lesser extent, LeVert lack. How much does Bickerstaff value that element?
The current feeling around the organization is Okoro will get the first shot to start at small forward. The No. 5 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft has only come off the bench six times in 134 career regular-season games. Some of those starts have been at 2 guard. Others at small forward. And while his offense remains a work in progress, looking like a passive liability during back-to-back play-in tournament losses to Brooklyn and Atlanta, Okoro’s game seems to blend well with the other four starters.
Garland and Mitchell are likely to dominate possessions. Mobley and Allen will also be offensive hubs, getting involved as playmakers and decision-makers from the elbow in. With that setup, Cleveland’s coaches recognize the importance of having someone who doesn’t need touches to be effective.
Theoretically, Okoro can space the floor (if he proves to be a capable outside shooting threat) or make timely, decisive cuts away from the ball on the offensive end while also handling the toughest perimeter assignments on the defensive end. That would give Mitchell and Garland a chance to expend more energy into running the offense while also creating an imposing, defensive-minded frontcourt that provides plenty of necessary protection for an undersized guard duo.
It’s only the first day of camp. Plenty of time to experiment. No one can be ruled out at this point. There’s a sturdy -- and just as equally flimsy -- case for each.
Let the battle begin.
Cavaliers Fanatics Revenue 2021
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Re: Cleveland Cavaliers
3287Cleveland Cavaliers preview: Predictions and analysis for the 2022-23 NBA season
By John Hollinger
4h ago
Last season: 44-38 (lost in Play-In); 20th in offense, seventh in defense
Key additions: SG Donovan Mitchell, PG Ricky Rubio, PG Raul Neto, C Robin Lopez
Key subtractions: SG Collin Sexton, SF Lauri Markkanen, C Ed Davis, PG Brandon Goodwin, PG Rajon Rondo
Draft picks: SG Ochai Agbaji (14th; traded to Utah); C Isaiah Mobley (49th); SF Luke Travers (56th)
Rebuilding isn’t always a neat, linear process. The Cleveland Cavaliers are a good example; for two and a half years, their post-LeBron James reboot looked to be going absolutely, positively nowhere. The most impactful move had been an extension for Kevin Love that instantly made him totally untradeable.
Then, from nowhere, all the pieces came together. Darius Garland emerged as an All-Star, the Cavs stole Jarrett Allen from under Houston’s nose as a sidebar to the James Harden trade, and they drafted Evan Mobley with the third pick in the 2021 draft. Rather suddenly, we went from, “Let’s see if Collin Sexton and Andre Drummond can get them to 27 wins,” to watching a playoff-caliber team.
The Cavs didn’t actually make the playoffs — injuries and the resultant near-comic lack of people who could actually dribble conspired against them — but their body of work was one of the league’s 16 best. The Cavs won 44 games and had a plus-2.2 net rating, and this wasn’t some mirage built on crazy fluke stats. It could have been much more, actually: In addition to multiple season-ending injuries in the backcourt, the Cavs’ three best players — Mobley, Garland and Allen — only played 69, 68 and 56 games, respectively.
Now take that core, and add Donovan Mitchell to the mix. Cleveland gave up some relevant pieces to nab him from Utah (Markkannen had a pretty solid 2021-22 season, and Sexton, whatever his other weaknesses, can score), but the story here is the draft picks Cleveland put into the deal. The Cavs went all-in on their young stars by essentially surrendering five straight future drafts (2025 to 2029) to Utah, via the three firsts and two picks swaps that went out for Mitchell.
Mitchell isn’t a top-10 player in the league, but I’m not sure how much better than this Cleveland could have realistically done. Mitchell is relatively young (26), he’s signed for at least three more seasons, he plays a position of need, and he was at least somewhat amenable to going to Cleveland. He also makes the “low max,” a total of $99 million over the next three years, and thus his contract isn’t quite as punishing as some other max deals. The fact they might have overpaid is almost secondary; when was this type of opportunity going to come up again for the Cavs in the near future, at any price?
The elephant in the room, however, is Mobley, who narrowly lost a tight Rookie of the Year race to Scottie Barnes while showing flames of being a game-changing defensive ace. This trade is nothing if not a bet on Mobley, that he can become one of the game’s elite players and, at the very least, one of its very best defenders.
Why do they feel OK giving up future drafts from 2025 to 2029? It’s Mobley, whose presence should ensure they’re at least halfway decent and thus not forking over high lottery picks.
Why are they not sweating playing two small guards next to each other? It’s Mobley, an all-terrain defender who can have their back and who teams with Allen to make the charge circle a no-fly zone for Cavs opponents.
And why are they loading up right at this moment? In a roundabout way, it’s Mobley: He’s still on his rookie contract, which allows the Cavs to carry big numbers for Garland, Mitchell and Allen through 2025 without breaking into the luxury tax.
The Cavs also still have some flexibility going forward, thanks to Mobley’s rookie deal and the awesome value they got on Allen’s contract (a flat $20 million per year through 2026). Cleveland is $38 million below next year’s projected tax line, when Kevin Love and Caris LeVert’s deals come off the books, and thus could still makes trades that add future money.
That matters because the Cavs still have one glaring weakness at small forward. Right now, the roster is four elite players and several question marks, and the Cavs don’t have the draft picks or cap space to fill this void easily. (I can perhaps relate to this challenge a little too personally.)
Isaac Okoro is likely to get first crack at the three given that they drafted him in the lottery and he’s their most athletic wing, but he’s so inert offensively that it’s tough to keep him on the court. The 21-year-old did take some baby steps forward last season, hitting 35.5 percent of his 3s (though on very low volume).
After that, there’s more meh. Cedi Osman had his contract extended in a pique of exuberance three years ago, but he’s mostly provided replacement-level minutes since. LeVert can score, but he is a bad defender and wild ballhandler; he fits much better as a sixth man who can run the offense when Mitchell and/or Garland check out. Asking him to play the three next to these guards and check Jayson Tatum or Jimmy Butler in crunchtime? Not so much.
Given how much coach J.B. Bickerstaff loves big lineups, one other option is rolling with Dean Wade and Mobley together at the forward spots, sort of a revamped version of last year’s look with Markkanen starting. That unit can probably function better in zones, where Mobley is a wide-ranging menace at the top of the key, but the limitations in ballhandling and perimeter mobility are likely too much for extended usage.
The good news is that the lineup is four-fifths of the way there. The bad news is that with an “ensemble-cast” type team that doesn’t have a clear-cut top-10 player in the league, it requires five-fifths to truly contend. That’s another reason to give Okoro every chance to grab this; he’s the one potential in-house solution.
Cleveland surely will search out trade options that let it parlay the expiring deals of LeVert, Love and oft-injured Dylan Windler into a reasonable small forward option, especially one who can match up against the Tatum/Butler/Harden/Durant/Middleton alpha wings that all their potential playoff rivals have. Easier said than done.
The Cavs might not ever find the right answer this season, and frankly, that’s OK. This team is built for 2024 and 2025 — Mobley’s third and fourth seasons and the last two seasons before Mitchell’s player option (and possible free agency) kick in. The Cavs also should have use of their full midlevel exception next summer, which might be a better opportunity to take a swing at filling the small forward hole.
Alas, this is where giving up everything for Mitchell — up to and including the already-drafted Agbaji — hurts, because the Cavs have nothing left to spice a deal beyond the expiring contracts.
As for this coming season, the Cavs are surely a playoff team regardless of what happens at small forward. Mitchell lifts their ceiling substantially, and the bench should be less creaky than a year ago. Rubio is back, but he turns 32 this fall and has had multiple ACL tears. Fortunately, if injuries hit, there’s another real ballhandler this time (Neto, one of the summer’s better minimum deals); they can also stagger Mitchell’s and Garland’s minutes and use LeVert on the ball.
Up front, Lopez is an upgrade on Davis, and while two-way Isaiah Mobley doesn’t have his brother’s breathtaking defensive talent, he’s an interesting frontcourt prospect who can pass. In between, guys such as Wade (extended recently at a reasonable three years, $18.5 million), Lamar Stevens and Windler (I still believe!) aren’t going to flip a playoff series but can nicely fill in some of the regular-season minutes crevices.
That said, this new look will take some adjustment too, and that part has perhaps been underrated. Adding Mitchell necessarily means taking the ball away from Garland and also probably from the bigs. Cleveland ran a lot of post-ups and elbow action last season when it wasn’t spamming Garland pick-and-rolls; all these guys will need to get used to playing off the ball more while Spida spins his web. For that matter, Mitchell will need to adjust too; there won’t be nearly as much space as he had in Utah.
Some other pieces may fit oddly now as well, particularly LeVert. There likely will be nights in December where it all looks like less than the sum of its parts.
Overall, I think the Cavs are probably one year away from the big jump. This year is more like the little jump, especially given the sudden strength of the East. The Cavs lost in the Play-In Tournament in 2021-22, but even in a strong Eastern Conference, I’m betting they won’t have to worry about that this time around.
Prediction: 47-35, sixth place in East
Cavaliers by BORG and BORD$
• BORG — Projected value over replacement, per 100 possessions, according to Hollinger’s BORG formula
• BORD$ — Projected value for 2022-23 according to Hollinger’s BORD$ formula
• (R) — Rookie, no projection available
• (2w) — Player on two-way contract
Potential Closing 5
Darius Garland
PG
3.92
$37,897,185
Donovan Mitchell
SG
5.70
$51,137,435
Isaac Okoro
SF
1.20
$11,604,336
Evan Mobley
PF
2.43
$24,183,267
Jarrett Allen
C
3.05
$26,364,743
Likely rest of roster
Ricky Rubio
PG
2.19
$16,574,838
Caris LeVert
SG
1.40
$12,481,591
Dean Wade
PF
0.87
$6,551,368
Raul Neto
PG
0.81
$6,276,741
Kevin Love
C
0.55
$5,661,562
Cedi Osman
SF
0.15
$2,954,701
Dylan Windler
PF
-0.12
Min
Lamar Stephens
SF
-0.14
Min
Robin Lopez
C
-1.07
Min
Isaiah Mobley (2w)
C
--
--
R.J. Nembhard (2w)
SG
--
--
Related reading
By John Hollinger
4h ago
Last season: 44-38 (lost in Play-In); 20th in offense, seventh in defense
Key additions: SG Donovan Mitchell, PG Ricky Rubio, PG Raul Neto, C Robin Lopez
Key subtractions: SG Collin Sexton, SF Lauri Markkanen, C Ed Davis, PG Brandon Goodwin, PG Rajon Rondo
Draft picks: SG Ochai Agbaji (14th; traded to Utah); C Isaiah Mobley (49th); SF Luke Travers (56th)
Rebuilding isn’t always a neat, linear process. The Cleveland Cavaliers are a good example; for two and a half years, their post-LeBron James reboot looked to be going absolutely, positively nowhere. The most impactful move had been an extension for Kevin Love that instantly made him totally untradeable.
Then, from nowhere, all the pieces came together. Darius Garland emerged as an All-Star, the Cavs stole Jarrett Allen from under Houston’s nose as a sidebar to the James Harden trade, and they drafted Evan Mobley with the third pick in the 2021 draft. Rather suddenly, we went from, “Let’s see if Collin Sexton and Andre Drummond can get them to 27 wins,” to watching a playoff-caliber team.
The Cavs didn’t actually make the playoffs — injuries and the resultant near-comic lack of people who could actually dribble conspired against them — but their body of work was one of the league’s 16 best. The Cavs won 44 games and had a plus-2.2 net rating, and this wasn’t some mirage built on crazy fluke stats. It could have been much more, actually: In addition to multiple season-ending injuries in the backcourt, the Cavs’ three best players — Mobley, Garland and Allen — only played 69, 68 and 56 games, respectively.
Now take that core, and add Donovan Mitchell to the mix. Cleveland gave up some relevant pieces to nab him from Utah (Markkannen had a pretty solid 2021-22 season, and Sexton, whatever his other weaknesses, can score), but the story here is the draft picks Cleveland put into the deal. The Cavs went all-in on their young stars by essentially surrendering five straight future drafts (2025 to 2029) to Utah, via the three firsts and two picks swaps that went out for Mitchell.
Mitchell isn’t a top-10 player in the league, but I’m not sure how much better than this Cleveland could have realistically done. Mitchell is relatively young (26), he’s signed for at least three more seasons, he plays a position of need, and he was at least somewhat amenable to going to Cleveland. He also makes the “low max,” a total of $99 million over the next three years, and thus his contract isn’t quite as punishing as some other max deals. The fact they might have overpaid is almost secondary; when was this type of opportunity going to come up again for the Cavs in the near future, at any price?
The elephant in the room, however, is Mobley, who narrowly lost a tight Rookie of the Year race to Scottie Barnes while showing flames of being a game-changing defensive ace. This trade is nothing if not a bet on Mobley, that he can become one of the game’s elite players and, at the very least, one of its very best defenders.
Why do they feel OK giving up future drafts from 2025 to 2029? It’s Mobley, whose presence should ensure they’re at least halfway decent and thus not forking over high lottery picks.
Why are they not sweating playing two small guards next to each other? It’s Mobley, an all-terrain defender who can have their back and who teams with Allen to make the charge circle a no-fly zone for Cavs opponents.
And why are they loading up right at this moment? In a roundabout way, it’s Mobley: He’s still on his rookie contract, which allows the Cavs to carry big numbers for Garland, Mitchell and Allen through 2025 without breaking into the luxury tax.
The Cavs also still have some flexibility going forward, thanks to Mobley’s rookie deal and the awesome value they got on Allen’s contract (a flat $20 million per year through 2026). Cleveland is $38 million below next year’s projected tax line, when Kevin Love and Caris LeVert’s deals come off the books, and thus could still makes trades that add future money.
That matters because the Cavs still have one glaring weakness at small forward. Right now, the roster is four elite players and several question marks, and the Cavs don’t have the draft picks or cap space to fill this void easily. (I can perhaps relate to this challenge a little too personally.)
Isaac Okoro is likely to get first crack at the three given that they drafted him in the lottery and he’s their most athletic wing, but he’s so inert offensively that it’s tough to keep him on the court. The 21-year-old did take some baby steps forward last season, hitting 35.5 percent of his 3s (though on very low volume).
After that, there’s more meh. Cedi Osman had his contract extended in a pique of exuberance three years ago, but he’s mostly provided replacement-level minutes since. LeVert can score, but he is a bad defender and wild ballhandler; he fits much better as a sixth man who can run the offense when Mitchell and/or Garland check out. Asking him to play the three next to these guards and check Jayson Tatum or Jimmy Butler in crunchtime? Not so much.
Given how much coach J.B. Bickerstaff loves big lineups, one other option is rolling with Dean Wade and Mobley together at the forward spots, sort of a revamped version of last year’s look with Markkanen starting. That unit can probably function better in zones, where Mobley is a wide-ranging menace at the top of the key, but the limitations in ballhandling and perimeter mobility are likely too much for extended usage.
The good news is that the lineup is four-fifths of the way there. The bad news is that with an “ensemble-cast” type team that doesn’t have a clear-cut top-10 player in the league, it requires five-fifths to truly contend. That’s another reason to give Okoro every chance to grab this; he’s the one potential in-house solution.
Cleveland surely will search out trade options that let it parlay the expiring deals of LeVert, Love and oft-injured Dylan Windler into a reasonable small forward option, especially one who can match up against the Tatum/Butler/Harden/Durant/Middleton alpha wings that all their potential playoff rivals have. Easier said than done.
The Cavs might not ever find the right answer this season, and frankly, that’s OK. This team is built for 2024 and 2025 — Mobley’s third and fourth seasons and the last two seasons before Mitchell’s player option (and possible free agency) kick in. The Cavs also should have use of their full midlevel exception next summer, which might be a better opportunity to take a swing at filling the small forward hole.
Alas, this is where giving up everything for Mitchell — up to and including the already-drafted Agbaji — hurts, because the Cavs have nothing left to spice a deal beyond the expiring contracts.
As for this coming season, the Cavs are surely a playoff team regardless of what happens at small forward. Mitchell lifts their ceiling substantially, and the bench should be less creaky than a year ago. Rubio is back, but he turns 32 this fall and has had multiple ACL tears. Fortunately, if injuries hit, there’s another real ballhandler this time (Neto, one of the summer’s better minimum deals); they can also stagger Mitchell’s and Garland’s minutes and use LeVert on the ball.
Up front, Lopez is an upgrade on Davis, and while two-way Isaiah Mobley doesn’t have his brother’s breathtaking defensive talent, he’s an interesting frontcourt prospect who can pass. In between, guys such as Wade (extended recently at a reasonable three years, $18.5 million), Lamar Stevens and Windler (I still believe!) aren’t going to flip a playoff series but can nicely fill in some of the regular-season minutes crevices.
That said, this new look will take some adjustment too, and that part has perhaps been underrated. Adding Mitchell necessarily means taking the ball away from Garland and also probably from the bigs. Cleveland ran a lot of post-ups and elbow action last season when it wasn’t spamming Garland pick-and-rolls; all these guys will need to get used to playing off the ball more while Spida spins his web. For that matter, Mitchell will need to adjust too; there won’t be nearly as much space as he had in Utah.
Some other pieces may fit oddly now as well, particularly LeVert. There likely will be nights in December where it all looks like less than the sum of its parts.
Overall, I think the Cavs are probably one year away from the big jump. This year is more like the little jump, especially given the sudden strength of the East. The Cavs lost in the Play-In Tournament in 2021-22, but even in a strong Eastern Conference, I’m betting they won’t have to worry about that this time around.
Prediction: 47-35, sixth place in East
Cavaliers by BORG and BORD$
• BORG — Projected value over replacement, per 100 possessions, according to Hollinger’s BORG formula
• BORD$ — Projected value for 2022-23 according to Hollinger’s BORD$ formula
• (R) — Rookie, no projection available
• (2w) — Player on two-way contract
Potential Closing 5
Darius Garland
PG
3.92
$37,897,185
Donovan Mitchell
SG
5.70
$51,137,435
Isaac Okoro
SF
1.20
$11,604,336
Evan Mobley
PF
2.43
$24,183,267
Jarrett Allen
C
3.05
$26,364,743
Likely rest of roster
Ricky Rubio
PG
2.19
$16,574,838
Caris LeVert
SG
1.40
$12,481,591
Dean Wade
PF
0.87
$6,551,368
Raul Neto
PG
0.81
$6,276,741
Kevin Love
C
0.55
$5,661,562
Cedi Osman
SF
0.15
$2,954,701
Dylan Windler
PF
-0.12
Min
Lamar Stephens
SF
-0.14
Min
Robin Lopez
C
-1.07
Min
Isaiah Mobley (2w)
C
--
--
R.J. Nembhard (2w)
SG
--
--
Related reading
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Cleveland Cavaliers
3288Cavs preseason opener: Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland excel, other observations
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 5: Donovan Mitchell #45 high fives Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during a preseason game on October 5, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
By Kelsey Russo
Oct 5, 2022
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After a week of training camp where the Cleveland Cavaliers emphasized conditioning, the Cavs got a strong early preseason test.
Cleveland faced its first opponent of the preseason in the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that features the likes of Joel Embiid, James Harden and Tyrese Maxey. The Cavs will face the 76ers three times this season, and Philly is one of the teams likely to be in the conversation at the top of the Eastern Conference.
“It’s always different when you’re putting and going against your own stuff,” Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said Tuesday. “The guys know the plays. The offense knows the schemes and how to take advantage of it. So it’s always good to go put your tests against another team. Catching a little bit by surprise and catch you by surprise because of things you haven’t seen and kind of how you react to that. But for our guys, mistakes are OK. But it’s a matter of are we competing at the level that we want to compete at even in preseason And are we playing as selfless as we want to play and then we’ll build from there.”
Here are three observations from the Cavs’ 113-112 preseason loss to Philly:
First look at the Mitchell-Garland backcourt
From opening tip, there was a strong showing from the Cavs’ new backcourt of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. The two All-Stars demonstrated how they can beat guys off the dribble, score and find open teammates.
“They’re both so dynamic,” Bickerstaff said during training camp. “They both can get to their spots. And not only for themselves, but they do a great job of finding their teammates and making their teammates jobs easier. They’re still a work in progress. Like, at times, they’re trying so hard to help each other that they’re not being themselves. So those are just the things at the beginning you got to get past and they’ll continue to build that rhythm.”
Throughout camp, Bickerstaff noted Mitchell and Garland’s willingness to work together. He watched as they would have conversations on the floor, talk through situations and make adjustments.
It translated in the first preseason game. Mitchell and Garland found a rhythm early, finishing with a combined 28 points in the first half. As the Sixers double-teamed Garland, he drew attention to one side and it left Mitchell free on the wing to knock down two open 3s. Those double-teams on Garland and Mitchell also opened up passing lanes.
Before the Cavs traveled to Philly, Mitchell admitted he was feeling some nerves playing in his first game with Cleveland. But once he stepped onto the court Wednesday, he played with ease. Mitchell showed how he can weave through defenses to get to the basket. He finished with a team-high 16 points, shooting 6 of 9 from the field and 3 of 4 from 3, and had five assists. Mitchell also added two rebounds, one steal and two turnovers in his Cavs’ debut.
Garland, who finished with 12 points and four assists, shooting 4 of 7 from the field and 1 of 1 from 3, said the biggest difference he noticed playing alongside Mitchell was the spacing. When Garland would come off pick-and-rolls, there were numerous threats on the other side. Since the Cavs have multiple ballhandlers, Garland doesn’t have to bring the ball up each time, or play as many pick-and-rolls. It opens up the opportunity for them to play touch and move without the ball.
As they’ve continued to build their chemistry, Garland said in his postgame interview that he and Mitchell joke around, and go out to eat to spend time together.
“Trying to learn more about him,” Garland said of Mitchell. “He’s trying to learn more about me, LeVert, I mean, everything is new. It’s like a new start. So it’s cool just get to know this guy. I mean, super fun to be around, super fun to play with on the basketball court. So I mean, it’s cool. He’s a great teammate.”
Caris LeVert gets the first shot at small forward
Bickerstaff has used the preseason as a chance to evaluate different options at the starting three spot. There is a six-player battle for the starting small forward job with Caris LeVert, Dean Wade, Isaac Okoro, Cedi Osman, Lamar Stevens and Dylan Windler all in the mix.
But it was LeVert who earned the start Wednesday night with a chance to show what the lineup of three guards could look like. After changing his diet and spending time this offseason going back to the basics, LeVert looked different heading to training camp and he was one of the early standouts, according to Bickerstaff.
“(LeVert) can make spot shots, which automatically creates separation,” Bickerstaff said earlier in the week. “He can beat his man off the bounce, so if they want to close out to him he’s already got an advantage. If he’s in a situation where teams want to switch, he’s already you know, at an advantage. I think his reputation as a scorer brings a ton of gravity. So even if he’s just standing in the corner or standing in the slot, very few times will you see his man just leave him to go help. That’s going to open up the floor for everybody else and then you’re picking your poison with where you’re deciding to help from and we’re allowed to create some pretty advantageous situations.”
LeVert looked strong in that starting unit. In the first quarter, he got out in transition, brought the ball up the court and found Garland open in the corner, who knocked down the easy 3. LeVert and Mitchell demonstrated a nice chemistry on the floor, particularly in the second quarter when Mitchell began to drive and passed the ball to LeVert as he cut to the basket and finished. LeVert finished the game with just seven points, shooting 3 of 5 from the field and 1 of 2 from 3. He played almost 14 minutes of the first half.
LeVert also competed throughout the first half defensively on ball. The Cavs need a defensive presence from him when he plays next to Garland and Mitchell. He finished with one block and one defensive rebound.
Kevin Love steps into the starting lineup, other notes
Bickerstaff had to switch things up in the starting lineup with Evan Mobley sidelined with an ankle sprain. Kevin Love slid in to start at the four next to Garland, Mitchell, LeVert and Jarrett Allen. While this starting lineup won’t be used often during the season because of Mobley’s presence, seeing how Love fits aside the other four is beneficial. Last season, Love was one of the first subs off the bench, playing alongside a number of players in their starting lineup. Love finished Wednesday’s game with nine points, shooting 3 of 6 from 3. He also grabbed seven defensive rebounds.
Cleveland’s starters only played the first half. It was a starting lineup that shot 5 of 6 from 3 in the first five minutes of the game, with Love scoring three and Mitchell hitting two. That same group took 13 3-point attempts in the first half, knocking down eight.
Bickerstaff believes they can use the 3s as a weapon this season.
“We want to use it more to create more space,” Bickerstaff said. “The big guys that we have on the floor if you give them space in the paint can be really, really hard to guard. Donovan, naturally, like last year he shot like 10 threes a game. Darius, I think, bumped up to like six or seven. So we were kind of inching in that direction and then when you add Donovan, obviously you’re going to create that. But we don’t want to be a jack-threes-quickly team. We still want the defense to have to make some tough decisions. And then we can move the ball and create open shots is what we’re looking for.”
As the Sixers began to adjust to guarding the 3-point line, the Cavs worked their way into the paint and finished with 10 shots from the field. Garland connected with Allen in the paint, who finished for a dunk.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 5: Donovan Mitchell #45 high fives Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during a preseason game on October 5, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
By Kelsey Russo
Oct 5, 2022
4
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After a week of training camp where the Cleveland Cavaliers emphasized conditioning, the Cavs got a strong early preseason test.
Cleveland faced its first opponent of the preseason in the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that features the likes of Joel Embiid, James Harden and Tyrese Maxey. The Cavs will face the 76ers three times this season, and Philly is one of the teams likely to be in the conversation at the top of the Eastern Conference.
“It’s always different when you’re putting and going against your own stuff,” Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said Tuesday. “The guys know the plays. The offense knows the schemes and how to take advantage of it. So it’s always good to go put your tests against another team. Catching a little bit by surprise and catch you by surprise because of things you haven’t seen and kind of how you react to that. But for our guys, mistakes are OK. But it’s a matter of are we competing at the level that we want to compete at even in preseason And are we playing as selfless as we want to play and then we’ll build from there.”
Here are three observations from the Cavs’ 113-112 preseason loss to Philly:
First look at the Mitchell-Garland backcourt
From opening tip, there was a strong showing from the Cavs’ new backcourt of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. The two All-Stars demonstrated how they can beat guys off the dribble, score and find open teammates.
“They’re both so dynamic,” Bickerstaff said during training camp. “They both can get to their spots. And not only for themselves, but they do a great job of finding their teammates and making their teammates jobs easier. They’re still a work in progress. Like, at times, they’re trying so hard to help each other that they’re not being themselves. So those are just the things at the beginning you got to get past and they’ll continue to build that rhythm.”
Throughout camp, Bickerstaff noted Mitchell and Garland’s willingness to work together. He watched as they would have conversations on the floor, talk through situations and make adjustments.
It translated in the first preseason game. Mitchell and Garland found a rhythm early, finishing with a combined 28 points in the first half. As the Sixers double-teamed Garland, he drew attention to one side and it left Mitchell free on the wing to knock down two open 3s. Those double-teams on Garland and Mitchell also opened up passing lanes.
Before the Cavs traveled to Philly, Mitchell admitted he was feeling some nerves playing in his first game with Cleveland. But once he stepped onto the court Wednesday, he played with ease. Mitchell showed how he can weave through defenses to get to the basket. He finished with a team-high 16 points, shooting 6 of 9 from the field and 3 of 4 from 3, and had five assists. Mitchell also added two rebounds, one steal and two turnovers in his Cavs’ debut.
Garland, who finished with 12 points and four assists, shooting 4 of 7 from the field and 1 of 1 from 3, said the biggest difference he noticed playing alongside Mitchell was the spacing. When Garland would come off pick-and-rolls, there were numerous threats on the other side. Since the Cavs have multiple ballhandlers, Garland doesn’t have to bring the ball up each time, or play as many pick-and-rolls. It opens up the opportunity for them to play touch and move without the ball.
As they’ve continued to build their chemistry, Garland said in his postgame interview that he and Mitchell joke around, and go out to eat to spend time together.
“Trying to learn more about him,” Garland said of Mitchell. “He’s trying to learn more about me, LeVert, I mean, everything is new. It’s like a new start. So it’s cool just get to know this guy. I mean, super fun to be around, super fun to play with on the basketball court. So I mean, it’s cool. He’s a great teammate.”
Caris LeVert gets the first shot at small forward
Bickerstaff has used the preseason as a chance to evaluate different options at the starting three spot. There is a six-player battle for the starting small forward job with Caris LeVert, Dean Wade, Isaac Okoro, Cedi Osman, Lamar Stevens and Dylan Windler all in the mix.
But it was LeVert who earned the start Wednesday night with a chance to show what the lineup of three guards could look like. After changing his diet and spending time this offseason going back to the basics, LeVert looked different heading to training camp and he was one of the early standouts, according to Bickerstaff.
“(LeVert) can make spot shots, which automatically creates separation,” Bickerstaff said earlier in the week. “He can beat his man off the bounce, so if they want to close out to him he’s already got an advantage. If he’s in a situation where teams want to switch, he’s already you know, at an advantage. I think his reputation as a scorer brings a ton of gravity. So even if he’s just standing in the corner or standing in the slot, very few times will you see his man just leave him to go help. That’s going to open up the floor for everybody else and then you’re picking your poison with where you’re deciding to help from and we’re allowed to create some pretty advantageous situations.”
LeVert looked strong in that starting unit. In the first quarter, he got out in transition, brought the ball up the court and found Garland open in the corner, who knocked down the easy 3. LeVert and Mitchell demonstrated a nice chemistry on the floor, particularly in the second quarter when Mitchell began to drive and passed the ball to LeVert as he cut to the basket and finished. LeVert finished the game with just seven points, shooting 3 of 5 from the field and 1 of 2 from 3. He played almost 14 minutes of the first half.
LeVert also competed throughout the first half defensively on ball. The Cavs need a defensive presence from him when he plays next to Garland and Mitchell. He finished with one block and one defensive rebound.
Kevin Love steps into the starting lineup, other notes
Bickerstaff had to switch things up in the starting lineup with Evan Mobley sidelined with an ankle sprain. Kevin Love slid in to start at the four next to Garland, Mitchell, LeVert and Jarrett Allen. While this starting lineup won’t be used often during the season because of Mobley’s presence, seeing how Love fits aside the other four is beneficial. Last season, Love was one of the first subs off the bench, playing alongside a number of players in their starting lineup. Love finished Wednesday’s game with nine points, shooting 3 of 6 from 3. He also grabbed seven defensive rebounds.
Cleveland’s starters only played the first half. It was a starting lineup that shot 5 of 6 from 3 in the first five minutes of the game, with Love scoring three and Mitchell hitting two. That same group took 13 3-point attempts in the first half, knocking down eight.
Bickerstaff believes they can use the 3s as a weapon this season.
“We want to use it more to create more space,” Bickerstaff said. “The big guys that we have on the floor if you give them space in the paint can be really, really hard to guard. Donovan, naturally, like last year he shot like 10 threes a game. Darius, I think, bumped up to like six or seven. So we were kind of inching in that direction and then when you add Donovan, obviously you’re going to create that. But we don’t want to be a jack-threes-quickly team. We still want the defense to have to make some tough decisions. And then we can move the ball and create open shots is what we’re looking for.”
As the Sixers began to adjust to guarding the 3-point line, the Cavs worked their way into the paint and finished with 10 shots from the field. Garland connected with Allen in the paint, who finished for a dunk.
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Re: Cleveland Cavaliers
3289The inside story of how the Cavaliers rebuilt Isaac Okoro’s jump shot — and his confidence
Today 5:00 AM
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro fires a three against the Atlanta Hawks in the first half of the preseason game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
By Chris Fedor, cleveland.com
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- The sweat beads off his forehead as Isaac Okoro launches a multitude of 3-pointers. A robotic voice booms from the speakers on each release and echoes throughout Cleveland Clinic Courts.
It’s early in the morning. Practice won’t start for a few hours. None of his other teammates have arrived yet. Okoro’s morning goal is to make 200 3s. It’s just him, Cavaliers shooting coach Andrew Olson and “Noah” -- a high-tech shot-tracking system that provides real-time feedback and analytics, which the Cavs installed in January of 2019.
Forty-five. Forty-four. Forty-five. Forty-five. Forty-three. Forty-four. Forty-five. Forty-five. ...
Those numbers signify Okoro’s shooting arc -- a critical focal point since he was drafted fifth overall by the Cavaliers in 2020.
A 45-degree arc is the goal. Noah -- with its company name adopted from the Biblical story Noah’s Arc because the original company emphasis was on the arc of the shot and Noah built “the perfect arc” -- has tracked millions of shots, determining that 45 degrees is the ideal entry point for the ball to go into the basket.
Okoro’s numbers have never consistently reached that target mark -- until the last couple of weeks, when a two-year reconstruction project entered an important phase.
“For years, I’ve been trying to get better and better at shooting. Ever since I was little honestly,” Okoro told cleveland.com.
“I just knew it was something I had to work on. Everybody could see it. I know I’m not a perfect player. Everybody has flaws. I’ve been working on addressing those flaws. Each year I feel like I have been getting better at shooting. We’ve been tracking it since I was drafted. I see the numbers. I see where I’m at now. It’s night and day. My arc is consistently higher. I always knew it was going to pay off sooner or later.”
With cameras and facial-recognition software, Noah stores all of its data online, allowing players and coaches to view total shots, depth, left/right percentages, rim maps and arc.
Olson has been working with Okoro since his rookie season and spent time with the third-year swingman in Atlanta this past summer. He gets daily reports.
Okoro increased his overall long-distance percentage by six points from his first season to second. But given the incredibly low volume (2.3 per game) and abnormally high-quality attempts, that specific stat felt like a mirage.
It’s why the Cavs are currently more fixated on the intricate details of Okoro’s reworked shot -- everything he’s shown behind the scenes.
The detailed numbers on those Noah analytic reports have the Cavs believing the evolution is real.
“He’s made a lot of progress,” Olson told cleveland.com. “It used to be very inconsistent. Left and right, distance and arc, it was inconsistent. He’s had a flatter shot his whole life. He didn’t shoot it great in college and even growing up shooting wasn’t necessarily the staple or anything that he was known for. But he’s shown a lot of improvement year to year.”
According to Olson, Okoro’s arc numbers when he first entered the league were around 40. There were even times when Okoro would toss up a hideous jumper that registered in the high-30s before it violently caromed off the rim.
Near the start of this summer, Okoro had reverted back to some old habits, hovering in the low-40s once again. But he worked endlessly on that form.
Since returning for the start of training camp in late September, the Noah daily reports show his arc being almost 44. Almost perfect.
“There are days where the ball is consistently higher arc, flicking the wrist, holding the form higher, not crossing my face. There’s been days where it’s been looking really good,” Okoro told cleveland.com with a devious smile.
“Then some days it goes back to how I used to shoot it. That’s what I’m saying about trying to be more consistent with it. I know it’s going to take time to get to exactly where I want to be. I know that. Sometimes my shot still goes flat. Just keep working every day. Just keep doing it. With time, it will be more consistent. I truly believe that.”
From the ground up
It was Nov. 18, 2020. The night of the 2020 NBA Draft. The Cavs had the fifth-overall pick, with four teams slotted ahead of them -- Minnesota at No. 1, Golden State with the second pick, Charlotte selecting third and then Chicago at No. 4.
Shortly before 8:30 p.m. the Bulls pulled the first draft-night stunner, choosing Patrick Williams. A raw, versatile, rangy, athletic, high-upside defensive-minded wing, Williams was one of the players Cleveland studied extensively in the leadup to that night.
Williams was off the board. So, now what? Isaac Okoro? Deni Avdija? Obi Toppin? Tyrese Haliburton? Devin Vassell? Onyeka Okongwu? Someone else?
The Cavaliers chose Okoro -- a player they fell in love with during the predraft process thanks to a tremendous workout and eventful get-to-know-you dinner. That day helped provide clarity on who -- and what -- the Cavs would be getting: A competitive, high-IQ winner with a won’t-back-down attitude, NBA-ready physique, passion for defense, toughness … and ... an unattractive, unpolished offensive game.
The team’s decision-makers didn’t believe Okoro’s shot was broken per se. But they had concerns. They understood it would be a multiyear process. They also trusted Okoro’s relentless work ethic and their own player development staff. It was a long-term play.
Okoro’s first 24 games weren’t pretty -- on the offensive end.
He went scoreless twice. Had four games with only one field goal. He was shooting 26% from beyond the arc at the time and went 0-fer from deep in more than half of Cleveland’s games.
Okoro was an offensive liability -- a lowlight package encapsulating all the reasons draftniks called him a “project” and said he was unworthy of being a top 5 pick.
When the Cavs returned from a five-game West Coast road trip in which Okoro had missed nine straight triples and his funky shooting stroke wasn’t looking any better, Olson approached Bickerstaff with a plan to completely rework Okoro’s mechanics. Bickerstaff was on board. Olson just needed Okoro’s approval.
The youngster saw the vision. The reconstruction was under way. From the ground up.
“You get to this level playing a certain way. Someone telling you that you’re either doing something wrong, not as well or in an inefficient way, it takes a certain type of person to accept that,” Olson said.
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Every night for nearly two weeks, during Cleveland’s extended homestand, Okoro and Olson went to the practice facility and started to work.
Olson noticed a glaring issue: Okoro’s funky hand positioning.
“He came in and he would shoot across his face,” Olson said. “It never looked very consistent early on. I told him that we would start working with the percentages. He used to shoot across his face 70% of the time.
“I told him, ‘Let’s get that to 60 and then 50 and then just keep going from there.’ With all his progress over the first few years, we were trying to get it to 15 or 10% this past summer. Maybe even below that. Right now, it’s about 20%.”
As Olson explains it, a lot of the mechanical breakdowns had to do with how Okoro caught the ball and where he naturally placed his hands on the catch. Okoro would dip the ball, or his hand would go around. That’s why the two do a daily drill to keep Okoro’s wrist loaded, which helps him get underneath the ball, leading to a higher release point.
“He gets a little stiff with his shooting,” Olson admitted. “It’s just about trying to have a little more control and loosening it up allows him to load the wrist. That’s a little bit more ideal for the arc. He’s gotten a lot more consistent with a linear finish.”
“My old form was all over the place,” Okoro said with a chuckle and head shake. “My shooting hand was more in the middle, higher up on the ball, instead of being underneath. I feel like I’ve made huge progress.”
Each phase had a primary focus. The first step was straightforward: Improve the accuracy. Once the internal shooting numbers reached a respectable point, it was on to the next.
It’s been nearly two years since the process started. Olson believes Okoro is in a good enough place where they don’t have to focus nearly as much on the wrist and the other unnatural mechanical tweaks. It’s about enhancing a workable release.
“The numbers that we track show that his left and right misses have shrunk, so his accuracy is improved,” Olson said. “His average in terms of making shots increased about 1% every month last season.”
Isaac Okoro
Isaac Okoro's shooting form has changed significantly since the end of last season. AP
Offseason checklist
The alarm goes off at 7 a.m. It’s an August day this past offseason. The Atlanta sun is just starting to peek through the clouds and the sweltering summer heat has yet to bake the concrete. Okoro wakes up and heads toward McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Ga. -- the gym where he led the Indians to an undefeated season and their first state championship in 2019. It’s the place where he became a basketball star.
Three days a week. Morning and night. Weightlifting and conditioning. Sometimes both in one day. Then two separate on-court workouts.
Okoro also trekked to Auburn University, where he played his college ball, a couple times. He returned to Cleveland periodically. Joined teammates in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Nashville for voluntary workouts. But Atlanta was his home base. Back in his comfort zone. Back to his old high school stomping grounds.
The summer -- the first normal, non-COVID-impacted one since entering the league -- was focused on offense. There were four primary points of emphasis.
Three-point shooting.
Attacking closeouts and getting into the paint more frequently.
Using his body to create different-angled, non-dunk finishes through contact.
Adding a one-dribble pullup to his halfcourt package.
Okoro also worked on ballhandling and making the right reads. It was a plan designed by Okoro, Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Olson -- who visited Okoro three times in Atlanta this past summer -- and coaching analyst Josh Estes, among others.
“When I first came into the league, my mindset was focused on the defensive side,” said Okoro, who is 10 pounds heavier than he was last season. “But, as the years kept going on, I want to become a two-way player, I want to be great on both sides.”
As a rookie during the 2020-21 season, Okoro had a massive role, leading the Cavs in minutes while guarding the opponent’s best player on a nightly basis. It earned him a spot on the NBA’s All-Rookie Second Team. He entered last year looking to take another step forward in his development. In some areas he did, increasing all three shooting percentages. But his other numbers decreased across the board -- minutes, points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks -- as the Cavs minimized his playmaking opportunities while asking him to be more of a corner spacer and cutter.
Following the season, president of basketball operations Koby Altman spoke about “unlocking” Okoro. Bickerstaff kept an open line of communication with Okoro throughout the summer, telling Okoro he would have more freedom this coming season.
“A lot of what happened to Isaac last year was on me,” Bickerstaff said. “We put Isaac sort of in a box to try to create as much spacing and give room to the other guys on the offensive end. Isaac does what we ask him to do.
“... We want him to be more involved. We want him to be more attack-minded. We want him to run the floor and get more early opportunities, convert some of his defense to offense. Staying within his profile but playing to the strengths of his profile. ... If he gets the best shot, then he’s gotta be willing to take it. He works his a-- off to get to that point.”
That will require a mindset shift.
“Growing up and coming through the ranks” Olson explained, “he was always the guy that would do the dirty work, play defense and he would get his points, but it’s not like he was the No. 1 offensive threat.”
Okoro won’t be that in Cleveland. He won’t be the second option. Or third. Or even the fourth or fifth.
But he needs to at least be an offensive threat, keeping opposing defenses from shading off him and loading up on Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert, Evan Mobley, Ricky Rubio and others.
Only one of the 157 3-pointers Okoro took last season was considered contested -- a defender within 4 feet. The other 156 were “open” or “wide open” -- a defender 4 or more feet away. All but eight of those 156 were classified as “wide open.”
On average, the defender’s distance from Okoro upon the release of his 3-pointer was 9.3 feet -- the most for any player who took at least 100 3s. And despite all that room, the easiest looks any player had, Okoro made just 35% of those attempts.
Opposing teams completely ignored him. Just like Brooklyn and Atlanta in the two-play in games that led to Okoro getting yanked. It compressed Cleveland’s offense. They dared him to shoot from the outside. Didn’t believe he could.
That’s why the top item on the summer to-do list was continuing to improve in that area.
Then it was about getting downhill and becoming a better finisher. Okoro is still erratic and inconsistent around the rim. He lacks any semblance of an in-between game. No floater. No mid-ranger. Very little touch. A freshly introduced one-dribble pullup is supposed to help remedy that -- even though Okoro isn’t yet comfortable using it in a game situation.
“But whenever I get to it, it’s money,” Okoro said.
For now, his word -- and the many coming from inside headquarters -- will have to suffice.
Isaac Okoro, J.B. Bickerstaff
Cleveland Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff has raved about Isaac Okoro's progress during training camp. AP
‘His best days are ahead of him’
Okoro is one of six players battling for the starting small forward spot. He’s started 128 out of 134 games in his NBA career. He’s used to that role. He wants to be the fifth starter, calling it “very important” when asked about it earlier in training camp. Bickerstaff, who doesn’t plan on publicly announcing his Opening Night starter in advance, is still torn and has yet to inform players of an official decision.
While there are countless factors to consider, Cleveland’s camp injuries have made the decision more complicated. Bickerstaff didn’t get to see certain five-man groupings. He didn’t get to experiment as much as he wanted. He doesn’t know exactly how all the pieces will fit in a game environment. Four injury-riddled exhibitions weren’t enough.
Because of that, the small forward decision will likely continue to evolve. Bickerstaff has already discussed the possibility of changing his mind as the season progresses.
Either way, Okoro will have a role.
“He is still an important piece of this team,” Bickerstaff told cleveland.com. “His actions on the floor personify our core values. We believe his best days are ahead of him.”
Okoro’s intriguing 3-and-D skillset was on full display during Cleveland’s third preseason game -- and then again in the finale. With LeVert getting a planned rest night against Atlanta, Okoro stepped into the starting lineup and made his case for being the full-time guy. He was aggressive. He confidently knocked down two 3s. He brought defensive intensity. He looked like the guy Cleveland needs, the overlooked piece of the NBA’s best young core.
“Just be myself and go out there and play my game,” Okoro said. “Sometimes I overthink it. There’s different games where teams might bluff at me and make me overthink when I’m shooting. Now I just learn to shoot it. Just shoot it with confidence. I know my team has confidence in me so just let it fly.”
“You just look at his game on the offensive end, I think we all can say it’s improved,” Mitchell said. “I only saw him twice last year, obviously, it’s just been a big leap in my opinion from what I saw. It’s all about confidence with him.”
That confidence, in part, comes from a rebuilt shot. Will it lead to a third-year breakout?
“Isaac has been fantastic,” Bickerstaff told cleveland.com. “I think this is the year we see Isaac take steps in the right direction, showing his ability to impact winning on both sides of the floor.”
Those closest to him have predicted a career trajectory similar to Marcus Smart, Jimmy Butler, Andre Iguodala or perhaps even Jaylen Brown. That would be on the higher end of the spectrum. Perhaps unrealistic. But all those players, praised for their incredible work ethic, once had to answer the same shooting questions that have followed Okoro from college.
Olson has been there at every step. Early mornings. Late nights. Away from the cameras. Out of the spotlight. Just him, Okoro and Noah.
“Every year is going to be probably a little different for him just because he doesn’t have the ball in his hands and he’s not getting 20 shots a game,” Olson said. “Sometimes you’re gonna come in and shoot one or two 3s. You miss a few for five games and it seems like the end of the world with that small sample size. It’s tough.
“I just think that he’s the type of guy that likes proving people wrong. I wouldn’t bet against him.”
Today 5:00 AM
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro fires a three against the Atlanta Hawks in the first half of the preseason game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
By Chris Fedor, cleveland.com
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- The sweat beads off his forehead as Isaac Okoro launches a multitude of 3-pointers. A robotic voice booms from the speakers on each release and echoes throughout Cleveland Clinic Courts.
It’s early in the morning. Practice won’t start for a few hours. None of his other teammates have arrived yet. Okoro’s morning goal is to make 200 3s. It’s just him, Cavaliers shooting coach Andrew Olson and “Noah” -- a high-tech shot-tracking system that provides real-time feedback and analytics, which the Cavs installed in January of 2019.
Forty-five. Forty-four. Forty-five. Forty-five. Forty-three. Forty-four. Forty-five. Forty-five. ...
Those numbers signify Okoro’s shooting arc -- a critical focal point since he was drafted fifth overall by the Cavaliers in 2020.
A 45-degree arc is the goal. Noah -- with its company name adopted from the Biblical story Noah’s Arc because the original company emphasis was on the arc of the shot and Noah built “the perfect arc” -- has tracked millions of shots, determining that 45 degrees is the ideal entry point for the ball to go into the basket.
Okoro’s numbers have never consistently reached that target mark -- until the last couple of weeks, when a two-year reconstruction project entered an important phase.
“For years, I’ve been trying to get better and better at shooting. Ever since I was little honestly,” Okoro told cleveland.com.
“I just knew it was something I had to work on. Everybody could see it. I know I’m not a perfect player. Everybody has flaws. I’ve been working on addressing those flaws. Each year I feel like I have been getting better at shooting. We’ve been tracking it since I was drafted. I see the numbers. I see where I’m at now. It’s night and day. My arc is consistently higher. I always knew it was going to pay off sooner or later.”
With cameras and facial-recognition software, Noah stores all of its data online, allowing players and coaches to view total shots, depth, left/right percentages, rim maps and arc.
Olson has been working with Okoro since his rookie season and spent time with the third-year swingman in Atlanta this past summer. He gets daily reports.
Okoro increased his overall long-distance percentage by six points from his first season to second. But given the incredibly low volume (2.3 per game) and abnormally high-quality attempts, that specific stat felt like a mirage.
It’s why the Cavs are currently more fixated on the intricate details of Okoro’s reworked shot -- everything he’s shown behind the scenes.
The detailed numbers on those Noah analytic reports have the Cavs believing the evolution is real.
“He’s made a lot of progress,” Olson told cleveland.com. “It used to be very inconsistent. Left and right, distance and arc, it was inconsistent. He’s had a flatter shot his whole life. He didn’t shoot it great in college and even growing up shooting wasn’t necessarily the staple or anything that he was known for. But he’s shown a lot of improvement year to year.”
According to Olson, Okoro’s arc numbers when he first entered the league were around 40. There were even times when Okoro would toss up a hideous jumper that registered in the high-30s before it violently caromed off the rim.
Near the start of this summer, Okoro had reverted back to some old habits, hovering in the low-40s once again. But he worked endlessly on that form.
Since returning for the start of training camp in late September, the Noah daily reports show his arc being almost 44. Almost perfect.
“There are days where the ball is consistently higher arc, flicking the wrist, holding the form higher, not crossing my face. There’s been days where it’s been looking really good,” Okoro told cleveland.com with a devious smile.
“Then some days it goes back to how I used to shoot it. That’s what I’m saying about trying to be more consistent with it. I know it’s going to take time to get to exactly where I want to be. I know that. Sometimes my shot still goes flat. Just keep working every day. Just keep doing it. With time, it will be more consistent. I truly believe that.”
From the ground up
It was Nov. 18, 2020. The night of the 2020 NBA Draft. The Cavs had the fifth-overall pick, with four teams slotted ahead of them -- Minnesota at No. 1, Golden State with the second pick, Charlotte selecting third and then Chicago at No. 4.
Shortly before 8:30 p.m. the Bulls pulled the first draft-night stunner, choosing Patrick Williams. A raw, versatile, rangy, athletic, high-upside defensive-minded wing, Williams was one of the players Cleveland studied extensively in the leadup to that night.
Williams was off the board. So, now what? Isaac Okoro? Deni Avdija? Obi Toppin? Tyrese Haliburton? Devin Vassell? Onyeka Okongwu? Someone else?
The Cavaliers chose Okoro -- a player they fell in love with during the predraft process thanks to a tremendous workout and eventful get-to-know-you dinner. That day helped provide clarity on who -- and what -- the Cavs would be getting: A competitive, high-IQ winner with a won’t-back-down attitude, NBA-ready physique, passion for defense, toughness … and ... an unattractive, unpolished offensive game.
The team’s decision-makers didn’t believe Okoro’s shot was broken per se. But they had concerns. They understood it would be a multiyear process. They also trusted Okoro’s relentless work ethic and their own player development staff. It was a long-term play.
Okoro’s first 24 games weren’t pretty -- on the offensive end.
He went scoreless twice. Had four games with only one field goal. He was shooting 26% from beyond the arc at the time and went 0-fer from deep in more than half of Cleveland’s games.
Okoro was an offensive liability -- a lowlight package encapsulating all the reasons draftniks called him a “project” and said he was unworthy of being a top 5 pick.
When the Cavs returned from a five-game West Coast road trip in which Okoro had missed nine straight triples and his funky shooting stroke wasn’t looking any better, Olson approached Bickerstaff with a plan to completely rework Okoro’s mechanics. Bickerstaff was on board. Olson just needed Okoro’s approval.
The youngster saw the vision. The reconstruction was under way. From the ground up.
“You get to this level playing a certain way. Someone telling you that you’re either doing something wrong, not as well or in an inefficient way, it takes a certain type of person to accept that,” Olson said.
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Every night for nearly two weeks, during Cleveland’s extended homestand, Okoro and Olson went to the practice facility and started to work.
Olson noticed a glaring issue: Okoro’s funky hand positioning.
“He came in and he would shoot across his face,” Olson said. “It never looked very consistent early on. I told him that we would start working with the percentages. He used to shoot across his face 70% of the time.
“I told him, ‘Let’s get that to 60 and then 50 and then just keep going from there.’ With all his progress over the first few years, we were trying to get it to 15 or 10% this past summer. Maybe even below that. Right now, it’s about 20%.”
As Olson explains it, a lot of the mechanical breakdowns had to do with how Okoro caught the ball and where he naturally placed his hands on the catch. Okoro would dip the ball, or his hand would go around. That’s why the two do a daily drill to keep Okoro’s wrist loaded, which helps him get underneath the ball, leading to a higher release point.
“He gets a little stiff with his shooting,” Olson admitted. “It’s just about trying to have a little more control and loosening it up allows him to load the wrist. That’s a little bit more ideal for the arc. He’s gotten a lot more consistent with a linear finish.”
“My old form was all over the place,” Okoro said with a chuckle and head shake. “My shooting hand was more in the middle, higher up on the ball, instead of being underneath. I feel like I’ve made huge progress.”
Each phase had a primary focus. The first step was straightforward: Improve the accuracy. Once the internal shooting numbers reached a respectable point, it was on to the next.
It’s been nearly two years since the process started. Olson believes Okoro is in a good enough place where they don’t have to focus nearly as much on the wrist and the other unnatural mechanical tweaks. It’s about enhancing a workable release.
“The numbers that we track show that his left and right misses have shrunk, so his accuracy is improved,” Olson said. “His average in terms of making shots increased about 1% every month last season.”
Isaac Okoro
Isaac Okoro's shooting form has changed significantly since the end of last season. AP
Offseason checklist
The alarm goes off at 7 a.m. It’s an August day this past offseason. The Atlanta sun is just starting to peek through the clouds and the sweltering summer heat has yet to bake the concrete. Okoro wakes up and heads toward McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Ga. -- the gym where he led the Indians to an undefeated season and their first state championship in 2019. It’s the place where he became a basketball star.
Three days a week. Morning and night. Weightlifting and conditioning. Sometimes both in one day. Then two separate on-court workouts.
Okoro also trekked to Auburn University, where he played his college ball, a couple times. He returned to Cleveland periodically. Joined teammates in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Nashville for voluntary workouts. But Atlanta was his home base. Back in his comfort zone. Back to his old high school stomping grounds.
The summer -- the first normal, non-COVID-impacted one since entering the league -- was focused on offense. There were four primary points of emphasis.
Three-point shooting.
Attacking closeouts and getting into the paint more frequently.
Using his body to create different-angled, non-dunk finishes through contact.
Adding a one-dribble pullup to his halfcourt package.
Okoro also worked on ballhandling and making the right reads. It was a plan designed by Okoro, Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Olson -- who visited Okoro three times in Atlanta this past summer -- and coaching analyst Josh Estes, among others.
“When I first came into the league, my mindset was focused on the defensive side,” said Okoro, who is 10 pounds heavier than he was last season. “But, as the years kept going on, I want to become a two-way player, I want to be great on both sides.”
As a rookie during the 2020-21 season, Okoro had a massive role, leading the Cavs in minutes while guarding the opponent’s best player on a nightly basis. It earned him a spot on the NBA’s All-Rookie Second Team. He entered last year looking to take another step forward in his development. In some areas he did, increasing all three shooting percentages. But his other numbers decreased across the board -- minutes, points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks -- as the Cavs minimized his playmaking opportunities while asking him to be more of a corner spacer and cutter.
Following the season, president of basketball operations Koby Altman spoke about “unlocking” Okoro. Bickerstaff kept an open line of communication with Okoro throughout the summer, telling Okoro he would have more freedom this coming season.
“A lot of what happened to Isaac last year was on me,” Bickerstaff said. “We put Isaac sort of in a box to try to create as much spacing and give room to the other guys on the offensive end. Isaac does what we ask him to do.
“... We want him to be more involved. We want him to be more attack-minded. We want him to run the floor and get more early opportunities, convert some of his defense to offense. Staying within his profile but playing to the strengths of his profile. ... If he gets the best shot, then he’s gotta be willing to take it. He works his a-- off to get to that point.”
That will require a mindset shift.
“Growing up and coming through the ranks” Olson explained, “he was always the guy that would do the dirty work, play defense and he would get his points, but it’s not like he was the No. 1 offensive threat.”
Okoro won’t be that in Cleveland. He won’t be the second option. Or third. Or even the fourth or fifth.
But he needs to at least be an offensive threat, keeping opposing defenses from shading off him and loading up on Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert, Evan Mobley, Ricky Rubio and others.
Only one of the 157 3-pointers Okoro took last season was considered contested -- a defender within 4 feet. The other 156 were “open” or “wide open” -- a defender 4 or more feet away. All but eight of those 156 were classified as “wide open.”
On average, the defender’s distance from Okoro upon the release of his 3-pointer was 9.3 feet -- the most for any player who took at least 100 3s. And despite all that room, the easiest looks any player had, Okoro made just 35% of those attempts.
Opposing teams completely ignored him. Just like Brooklyn and Atlanta in the two-play in games that led to Okoro getting yanked. It compressed Cleveland’s offense. They dared him to shoot from the outside. Didn’t believe he could.
That’s why the top item on the summer to-do list was continuing to improve in that area.
Then it was about getting downhill and becoming a better finisher. Okoro is still erratic and inconsistent around the rim. He lacks any semblance of an in-between game. No floater. No mid-ranger. Very little touch. A freshly introduced one-dribble pullup is supposed to help remedy that -- even though Okoro isn’t yet comfortable using it in a game situation.
“But whenever I get to it, it’s money,” Okoro said.
For now, his word -- and the many coming from inside headquarters -- will have to suffice.
Isaac Okoro, J.B. Bickerstaff
Cleveland Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff has raved about Isaac Okoro's progress during training camp. AP
‘His best days are ahead of him’
Okoro is one of six players battling for the starting small forward spot. He’s started 128 out of 134 games in his NBA career. He’s used to that role. He wants to be the fifth starter, calling it “very important” when asked about it earlier in training camp. Bickerstaff, who doesn’t plan on publicly announcing his Opening Night starter in advance, is still torn and has yet to inform players of an official decision.
While there are countless factors to consider, Cleveland’s camp injuries have made the decision more complicated. Bickerstaff didn’t get to see certain five-man groupings. He didn’t get to experiment as much as he wanted. He doesn’t know exactly how all the pieces will fit in a game environment. Four injury-riddled exhibitions weren’t enough.
Because of that, the small forward decision will likely continue to evolve. Bickerstaff has already discussed the possibility of changing his mind as the season progresses.
Either way, Okoro will have a role.
“He is still an important piece of this team,” Bickerstaff told cleveland.com. “His actions on the floor personify our core values. We believe his best days are ahead of him.”
Okoro’s intriguing 3-and-D skillset was on full display during Cleveland’s third preseason game -- and then again in the finale. With LeVert getting a planned rest night against Atlanta, Okoro stepped into the starting lineup and made his case for being the full-time guy. He was aggressive. He confidently knocked down two 3s. He brought defensive intensity. He looked like the guy Cleveland needs, the overlooked piece of the NBA’s best young core.
“Just be myself and go out there and play my game,” Okoro said. “Sometimes I overthink it. There’s different games where teams might bluff at me and make me overthink when I’m shooting. Now I just learn to shoot it. Just shoot it with confidence. I know my team has confidence in me so just let it fly.”
“You just look at his game on the offensive end, I think we all can say it’s improved,” Mitchell said. “I only saw him twice last year, obviously, it’s just been a big leap in my opinion from what I saw. It’s all about confidence with him.”
That confidence, in part, comes from a rebuilt shot. Will it lead to a third-year breakout?
“Isaac has been fantastic,” Bickerstaff told cleveland.com. “I think this is the year we see Isaac take steps in the right direction, showing his ability to impact winning on both sides of the floor.”
Those closest to him have predicted a career trajectory similar to Marcus Smart, Jimmy Butler, Andre Iguodala or perhaps even Jaylen Brown. That would be on the higher end of the spectrum. Perhaps unrealistic. But all those players, praised for their incredible work ethic, once had to answer the same shooting questions that have followed Okoro from college.
Olson has been there at every step. Early mornings. Late nights. Away from the cameras. Out of the spotlight. Just him, Okoro and Noah.
“Every year is going to be probably a little different for him just because he doesn’t have the ball in his hands and he’s not getting 20 shots a game,” Olson said. “Sometimes you’re gonna come in and shoot one or two 3s. You miss a few for five games and it seems like the end of the world with that small sample size. It’s tough.
“I just think that he’s the type of guy that likes proving people wrong. I wouldn’t bet against him.”
Re: Cleveland Cavaliers
3290It sounds like Lavert will be the starter but if Okoro can be both an offensive and defensive force off the bench either at 2 or 3 that will be great. The second unit will feature Love and when he's healthy and if he stays healthy Rubio. Okoro and Wade and Osman could complete a pretty decent unit.
Re: Cleveland Cavaliers
3291Donovan Mitchell’s Cavs debut didn’t result in a win, but there is a lot of reason for optimism
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the net against Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena on October 19, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
By Kelsey Russo
1h ago
TORONTO — Donovan Mitchell had a tough time sleeping Tuesday night.
Usually, he aims to get somewhere between eight and 10 hours of sleep. But that didn’t happen this time in Toronto. He was on the lower end in the range of seven or eight hours. Mitchell was anxious and excited for the season opener.
Officially kicking off the 2022-23 NBA season. His first official game in a Cavs jersey. The hype around playing the Toronto Raptors – a potential Eastern Conference playoff rival. The elevated expectations surrounding the Cavs.
“You’re just excited to get out there and compete for the real thing,” Mitchell said following Wednesday morning’s shootaround, sitting in a chair on the bench at Scotiabank Arena, chatting with a few reporters. “Just to be out there with this new group.”
After shootaround, Mitchell went about his normal game-day routine. He played Xbox – MLB the Show – took a nap and prepared for the game. When Mitchell took the floor for his pregame workout, he donned a pair of red over-the-head headphones as he put up shots and worked with assistant coach JJ Outlaw.
In his regular-season debut, Mitchell led the Cavs in scoring with 31 points, shooting 12 of 21 from the field and 2 of 8 from 3. He also dished out nine assists, grabbed two rebounds, had two steals and turned the ball over three times. He led the Cavs in +/- at 10 in almost 35 minutes of play.
“He’s an elite basketball player,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “There’s not many guys in this league that are better than Donovan and are capable of doing the things that he can do. So he puts so much pressure on the defense. He has the ability to make all the passes. So again, he’s hard to deal with, but he makes defenses have to make tough decisions over and over again.”
Mitchell is still getting used to the differences between road shootarounds, practices, bus rides, plane rides, hotel dinners and the day-to-day nuances of a new team. He’s still adjusting to his role, the Cavs’ system and language, as well as his offensive usage. When he notes those changes, that’s when it clicks as a reminder of his new home. Yet, he’s enjoying the ride of growing adjusted to the differences.
He’s also noticing the nuances of his new teammates, and what it’s like to spend time with the guys. The camaraderie, and the culture in Cleveland, is one of his early favorite aspects.
“I think the camaraderie of the group is much, I mean, it’s known in the Cleveland area, but I don’t think it’s known as much, so like, I think you know, but I didn’t really know myself,” Mitchell said. “So now you get around the group, and you see this group really gets each other, they get along, they like each other. And, it’s something that really doesn’t go unnoticed day to day. I think that’s one thing that you enjoy coming to the facility, being around each other, being around the guys. And I think that’s awesome.”
Reality has started to sink in for Mitchell. It first began in the preseason game against Philadelphia when he heard the introduction and the crowd’s reaction. Yet, at that point, they had only had a week of training camp under their belts.
But he’s still relishing the feeling of life coming full circle. He once again felt that way the first time he stepped into Cleveland Clinic Courts.
“Just knowing that I had been a Cavs fan growing up, to be there in their arena, like my facility, my home, my team, that was pretty awesome,” Mitchell said to The Athletic. “The facilities are incredible. One thing that definitely stood out, was just being in that facility. It’s just a new beginning in a positive way. And I’m excited. It was just a pure excitement when I first got there.”
The Cavs ultimately lost to the Raptors 108-105 to drop their first game of the season, but Mitchell demonstrated from the get-go why they made the trade for Mitchell. He was dynamic on the offensive end, and bothered guys like Gary Trent Jr. or even Pascal Siakam on defense early on. His first points on the board came off a transition layup, and then on the Cavs’ next offensive possession, Mitchell brought the ball up and finished with a floater.
Bickerstaff wants Mitchell to be a guy who takes one-on-one defensive challenges and is a two-way player. They see his capability and believe he can be elite on both ends of the floor.
The pairing of Mitchell and Darius Garland continued to flourish when on the floor together, even as Garland dealt with some execution struggles. They already have built a strong level of communication with one another, which translates to games, practices and the locker room. They are looking at what they see, areas they are good at, and others they can improve. Mitchell believes it speaks to both his and Garland’s level of maturity.
Throughout training camp and preseason, Bickerstaff had spoken about staggering Mitchell and Garland in lineups. They know Mitchell can create for himself and for others, and when he has the ball in his hand, he can be just as dynamic.
But opening night took a turn when Darius Garland sustained a laceration on his left eye towards the end of the second quarter and did not return to the game. Mitchell then had to take over.
In the second half on Wednesday, it became a necessity after Garland’s injury. Mitchell ran the point during his runs on the floor. He facilitated, like when he found Cedi Osman who fought to the basket for a layup. He was on the ball directing traffic, and he did so with ease. Mitchell was prepared to operate either on-ball or off-ball. He was ready to defend.
“He’s comfortable,” Bickerstaff said. “I think it’s that easy. Like, this isn’t something that he hasn’t done before. This is something, he’s carried teams on his back, so he understands the moment, and he’s capable of it. So, again, it’s not new. It’s what we expect of him.”
Allen saw Mitchell’s leadership on display, especially following Garland’s injury.
“He led us,” Allen said. “Obviously, he had 31 points and shot the ball well but taking that out because we know what he can do on the court. In terms of getting us where we need to be and telling us how to run the offense and talking on defense, did excellent there.”
Mitchell knows that’s part of his role with Cleveland. As one of the veterans, he has to use his experience in the league, and what he has learned along the way to his advantage. Part of that experience includes the relationships he has developed along the way. He still talks with ex-teammates, like Mike Conley. Mitchell now finds himself passing along pieces of advice that Conley told him in Utah to his new teammates in Cleveland. It’s helped him control the pace, see the floor and keep a level mind, factors he’ll use throughout the season.
It’s also prepared him in other ways, like getting off the ball, being prepared for a catch-and-shoot opportunity, or creating space. Mitchell can also serve as a decoy for defenses if someone like Garland or even Caris LeVert wants to drive; his presence then opens up lob opportunities to Allen or other paint touches. It helps move the ball around the floor.
In a few short weeks, Mitchell has established his place in Cleveland. Preseason was an early indication of potential. Now, with one regular season game under their belt, Mitchell showcased once again — even without his backcourt partner for a portion of the game— just what he means to the Cavs’ future success.
“You never walk into a room with Donovan and feel uncomfortable,” Bickerstaff said. “He makes the room at ease because he makes everybody else feel comfortable. That’s part of his charm, charisma and personality.”
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the net against Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena on October 19, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
By Kelsey Russo
1h ago
TORONTO — Donovan Mitchell had a tough time sleeping Tuesday night.
Usually, he aims to get somewhere between eight and 10 hours of sleep. But that didn’t happen this time in Toronto. He was on the lower end in the range of seven or eight hours. Mitchell was anxious and excited for the season opener.
Officially kicking off the 2022-23 NBA season. His first official game in a Cavs jersey. The hype around playing the Toronto Raptors – a potential Eastern Conference playoff rival. The elevated expectations surrounding the Cavs.
“You’re just excited to get out there and compete for the real thing,” Mitchell said following Wednesday morning’s shootaround, sitting in a chair on the bench at Scotiabank Arena, chatting with a few reporters. “Just to be out there with this new group.”
After shootaround, Mitchell went about his normal game-day routine. He played Xbox – MLB the Show – took a nap and prepared for the game. When Mitchell took the floor for his pregame workout, he donned a pair of red over-the-head headphones as he put up shots and worked with assistant coach JJ Outlaw.
In his regular-season debut, Mitchell led the Cavs in scoring with 31 points, shooting 12 of 21 from the field and 2 of 8 from 3. He also dished out nine assists, grabbed two rebounds, had two steals and turned the ball over three times. He led the Cavs in +/- at 10 in almost 35 minutes of play.
“He’s an elite basketball player,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “There’s not many guys in this league that are better than Donovan and are capable of doing the things that he can do. So he puts so much pressure on the defense. He has the ability to make all the passes. So again, he’s hard to deal with, but he makes defenses have to make tough decisions over and over again.”
Mitchell is still getting used to the differences between road shootarounds, practices, bus rides, plane rides, hotel dinners and the day-to-day nuances of a new team. He’s still adjusting to his role, the Cavs’ system and language, as well as his offensive usage. When he notes those changes, that’s when it clicks as a reminder of his new home. Yet, he’s enjoying the ride of growing adjusted to the differences.
He’s also noticing the nuances of his new teammates, and what it’s like to spend time with the guys. The camaraderie, and the culture in Cleveland, is one of his early favorite aspects.
“I think the camaraderie of the group is much, I mean, it’s known in the Cleveland area, but I don’t think it’s known as much, so like, I think you know, but I didn’t really know myself,” Mitchell said. “So now you get around the group, and you see this group really gets each other, they get along, they like each other. And, it’s something that really doesn’t go unnoticed day to day. I think that’s one thing that you enjoy coming to the facility, being around each other, being around the guys. And I think that’s awesome.”
Reality has started to sink in for Mitchell. It first began in the preseason game against Philadelphia when he heard the introduction and the crowd’s reaction. Yet, at that point, they had only had a week of training camp under their belts.
But he’s still relishing the feeling of life coming full circle. He once again felt that way the first time he stepped into Cleveland Clinic Courts.
“Just knowing that I had been a Cavs fan growing up, to be there in their arena, like my facility, my home, my team, that was pretty awesome,” Mitchell said to The Athletic. “The facilities are incredible. One thing that definitely stood out, was just being in that facility. It’s just a new beginning in a positive way. And I’m excited. It was just a pure excitement when I first got there.”
The Cavs ultimately lost to the Raptors 108-105 to drop their first game of the season, but Mitchell demonstrated from the get-go why they made the trade for Mitchell. He was dynamic on the offensive end, and bothered guys like Gary Trent Jr. or even Pascal Siakam on defense early on. His first points on the board came off a transition layup, and then on the Cavs’ next offensive possession, Mitchell brought the ball up and finished with a floater.
Bickerstaff wants Mitchell to be a guy who takes one-on-one defensive challenges and is a two-way player. They see his capability and believe he can be elite on both ends of the floor.
The pairing of Mitchell and Darius Garland continued to flourish when on the floor together, even as Garland dealt with some execution struggles. They already have built a strong level of communication with one another, which translates to games, practices and the locker room. They are looking at what they see, areas they are good at, and others they can improve. Mitchell believes it speaks to both his and Garland’s level of maturity.
Throughout training camp and preseason, Bickerstaff had spoken about staggering Mitchell and Garland in lineups. They know Mitchell can create for himself and for others, and when he has the ball in his hand, he can be just as dynamic.
But opening night took a turn when Darius Garland sustained a laceration on his left eye towards the end of the second quarter and did not return to the game. Mitchell then had to take over.
In the second half on Wednesday, it became a necessity after Garland’s injury. Mitchell ran the point during his runs on the floor. He facilitated, like when he found Cedi Osman who fought to the basket for a layup. He was on the ball directing traffic, and he did so with ease. Mitchell was prepared to operate either on-ball or off-ball. He was ready to defend.
“He’s comfortable,” Bickerstaff said. “I think it’s that easy. Like, this isn’t something that he hasn’t done before. This is something, he’s carried teams on his back, so he understands the moment, and he’s capable of it. So, again, it’s not new. It’s what we expect of him.”
Allen saw Mitchell’s leadership on display, especially following Garland’s injury.
“He led us,” Allen said. “Obviously, he had 31 points and shot the ball well but taking that out because we know what he can do on the court. In terms of getting us where we need to be and telling us how to run the offense and talking on defense, did excellent there.”
Mitchell knows that’s part of his role with Cleveland. As one of the veterans, he has to use his experience in the league, and what he has learned along the way to his advantage. Part of that experience includes the relationships he has developed along the way. He still talks with ex-teammates, like Mike Conley. Mitchell now finds himself passing along pieces of advice that Conley told him in Utah to his new teammates in Cleveland. It’s helped him control the pace, see the floor and keep a level mind, factors he’ll use throughout the season.
It’s also prepared him in other ways, like getting off the ball, being prepared for a catch-and-shoot opportunity, or creating space. Mitchell can also serve as a decoy for defenses if someone like Garland or even Caris LeVert wants to drive; his presence then opens up lob opportunities to Allen or other paint touches. It helps move the ball around the floor.
In a few short weeks, Mitchell has established his place in Cleveland. Preseason was an early indication of potential. Now, with one regular season game under their belt, Mitchell showcased once again — even without his backcourt partner for a portion of the game— just what he means to the Cavs’ future success.
“You never walk into a room with Donovan and feel uncomfortable,” Bickerstaff said. “He makes the room at ease because he makes everybody else feel comfortable. That’s part of his charm, charisma and personality.”
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Cleveland Cavaliers
3292Watched that game last night and it sure didn't help that Garland got injured. Tough road game.
But agree with the article - Donovan Mitchell is the real deal. The guy repeatedly split double teams, drew defenders to him, and dished passes to open teammates.
Oh, and he scored 31 points efficiently.
This is a complete new dimension from what they had last year. Going to be fun.
But agree with the article - Donovan Mitchell is the real deal. The guy repeatedly split double teams, drew defenders to him, and dished passes to open teammates.
Oh, and he scored 31 points efficiently.
This is a complete new dimension from what they had last year. Going to be fun.
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Cleveland Cavaliers
3293Is the injury going to keep Garland out for awhile? It sounds paintful but it's not a fracture or a torn ligament that takes months to recover from.
Injuries are uanavoidable in a "non-contact_ sport like NBA basketball but I hope they have better luck than last season
Injuries are uanavoidable in a "non-contact_ sport like NBA basketball but I hope they have better luck than last season
Re: Cleveland Cavaliers
3294I watched most of the game last night. I really think that Toronto is one of the best teams in the league and will be a difficult game for anyone.
Re: Cleveland Cavaliers
3295Oh no he got a cut around the eye - should be back soon.civ ollilavad wrote:Is the injury going to keep Garland out for awhile? It sounds paintful but it's not a fracture or a torn ligament that takes months to recover from.
Injuries are uanavoidable in a "non-contact_ sport like NBA basketball but I hope they have better luck than last season
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Cleveland Cavaliers
3296rusty - I watched too. I think the Toronto rotations were less affected by the offseason. They were the more coherent team last night - by that I mean their defensive rotations and their offensive flow were more organized since they knew each other better.rusty2 wrote:I watched most of the game last night. I really think that Toronto is one of the best teams in the league and will be a difficult game for anyone.
Remember Jarrett Allen missed a lot of action late in the season last year. The Mitchell exchange changed rotations for the Cavs. Mobley is still likely being careful with his movements. And then of course Garland went out so roles changed immediately there to Mitchell being much more ball dominant.
That said you could really see the brilliance and unselfishness of Mitchell - he made everyone around him better. It's a revelation offensively for Cleveland to add that to what they already had.
So an early season loss - may early season losses are due to turnover of roster and overall readiness. The Cavs will soon out-talent the Torontos of the league. I agree Toronto is good - a playoff team in a loaded East - but not top 4 East level whereas I think the Cavs will at least challenge for that position.
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Cleveland Cavaliers
3297I did not mean to make it sound like Toronto was a better team but the 2 teams are very close. I think there are 6 teams in the East that could finish anywhere 1-6 and like any other year injuries will probably actually decide the order.
One last thing. I do not think that Boston will be as good as last year.
One last thing. I do not think that Boston will be as good as last year.
Re: Cleveland Cavaliers
3298Darius Garland (left eye laceration) didn't practice on Thursday, and his status for Saturday against the Bulls is up in the air.
Garland shouldn't miss a ton of time with this injury, but there's a real chance he doesn't play Saturday. With Garland sidelined, Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert took over playmaking duties, with Mitchell finishing with nine assists and LeVert handing out seven
Garland shouldn't miss a ton of time with this injury, but there's a real chance he doesn't play Saturday. With Garland sidelined, Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert took over playmaking duties, with Mitchell finishing with nine assists and LeVert handing out seven
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Cleveland Cavaliers
3299I took another look at the Garland play and I'm not sure at all what eye laceration means?
It looked like to me he got hit square in the eye.
It looked like to me he got hit square in the eye.
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Cleveland Cavaliers
3300I would be surprised if Garland is back before 2 weeks. That thing was nasty.