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Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 keys to reaching NBA Playoffs

By Tony Pesta

INDEPENDENCE, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 27: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 27, 2021 in Independence, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
INDEPENDENCE, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 27: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 27, 2021 in Independence, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Cavaliers need to blend youth and veteran talent

This season will mark some pivotal crossroads for the Cavaliers. In addition to hopefully resolving the ongoing issue of Sexton’s upcoming contract extension (whether or not he deserves the max), the franchise will also have to determine how they will continue building for the future.

A few notable questions will need to be answered. Is the backcourt duo of Sexton and Garland sustainable? Will Mobley blossom into an All-Star caliber player? Will Markkanen’s 3-point shooting outweigh the loss of Larry Nance Jr.’s defensive versatility? How much can Okoro improve as an offensive threat? And, will Rubio’s presence finally give Cleveland a suitable veteran presence that Love has been unable to provide?

All of these x-factors could go in drastically different directions. Reaching the Play-In Tournament will require at least half of them favoring the Cavaliers.

I’d wager the Cavs have seen enough from Sexton and Garland to understand they are a good match offensively due to Sexton’s success as an off-ball threat and Garland’s growth as a floor general. However, the undersized backcourt will likely never amount to much defensively — an issue the franchise will either have to live with or seek to fix.

Okoro’s development as an elite perimeter defender will certainly help fill this gap. His brute strength as a disruptor can be enough to overcome Sexland’s weaknesses on defense. Furthermore, a dynamic frontcourt of Mobley and Allen provides the Cavaliers with freakish height and rim protection to compensate for Sexland’s lack of size.

Then, there are the vets on this team.

Rubio acts as the backup ball-handler the Cavaliers so desperately needed. The crafty veteran averages 7.5 career assists and can act as a sturdy decision-maker, defender and 3-point shooter to bolster the second unit.

Furthermore, his prior relationship with Love could inspire the former All-Star to play a bit better than he has in recent years. Love has been underwhelming during the rare times he is healthy enough to compete but a strong showing from Love could mean the difference between reaching the playoffs and another trip to the NBA Draft Lottery.

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