NBA Power Rankings Week 2: Scorching hot Miami Heat and what scares me

Last Week: (W) over DEN, (W) over LAC, (L) to LAL, (L) to PHX

An up-and-down week for the Cleveland Cavaliers ends on somewhat of a downer. After winning three straight against expected playoff teams on the back of a strong defense, they lost to a pair of scuffling squads in the Lakers and Suns. Still, splitting a West Coast trip against playoff squads from last year is a strong accomplishment, even if the sequencing of wins set expectations that were not met.

Evan Mobley has been a revelation, looking every bit like a future defensive superstar who is already an impact maker on that end. His offensive game has been up-and-down, but that’s absolutely to be expected for a rookie. His length and foot movement allow him to contest inside and outside, and coming into the weekend no player in the league contested as many 3-point shots as Mobley. The Cavs have a star on their hands.

Scares Me: The 10-inch gap. The Cavs are starting a lineup with two 6’1″ guards and three bigs, the shortest of whom is 6″11″. That 10-inch gap is a significant problem, because the bulk of NBA players rside within it. They have no lineup versatility to hand off matchups between the guards and bigs. They aren’t starting any wings and there aren’t any on the bench screaming for a spot. Against teams with strong wing play, the Cavs will struggle to defend given the insane height difference of their lineup.