What Does the Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineup Look Like for the 2021–22 Season?

The Cleveland Cavaliers are coming off a classic rebuild season. In a majority of the games last season, Collin Sexton, Isaac Okoro, and Darius Garland got most of the minutes on the court. This was mainly to maximize their development. And for the coming season, they have added another vital piece to this young core, Evan Mobley. The number 3 pick in the draft, the Cavaliers will also look to maximize the minutes Mobley gets on the court.

In the coming season, here’s what the starting lineup could look like for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Potential Starting Line-Up for the Cleveland Cavaliers

Guards

Point Guard: Darius Garland

Darius Garland took the responsibility of being the second offense for the Cavaliers last season. He averaged a steady 17.4 points a game. He has now got a veteran back-up in his position as Ricky Rubio. That should get him some more offensive confidence because now the playmaking load can be left on Rubio. He was the best 3 point shooter in this starting lineup last season. He shot consistently at 39.5% from beyond the arc. However, he can drastically increase the number of shots he takes from beyond the arc on average.

Shooting Guard: Collin Sexton

Collin Sexton was without a doubt the most valuable asset for the Cavaliers last season. He averages a healthy 24 points per game last season. He was the primary offensive weapon for the Cavaliers last season. With the support of Markannen this season, he could be the key for the Cavaliers to contend for the playoffs at least.

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Forwards

Small Forward: Isaac Okoro

Isaac Okoro’s offense was expected to be a work in progress when he was drafted last year. Because of his promising build and fierce defensive motor, Okoro exhibited great potential in the NBA as a defender. Okoro’s rookie season went just as everyone had predicted. Okoro’s offensive confidence developed during the season, and he showed flashes of what his offensive game could be.

Power Forward: Lauri Markannen

Lauri Markannen’s addition to the squad comes under two extenuating circumstances. On one hand, Markannen will have a chip on his shoulder since he came to the Cavaliers to revive his career. And on the other, Markannen will also have constant competition from Kevin Love for the starting line-up. Love is a former All-star who will now have to considerably improve his performance to make the starting line-up.

Center: Jarrett Allen

The block machine from San Diego had a stellar first season with the Cavaliers. After he came to the Cavaliers as a result of the James Harden trade, he had a point to prove to the league. He averaged 13.2 points and 9.9 rebounds in the 51 games he played last season. He shot at a stellar 60.9% from the field in his first stint. And considering that he will now have a good rotation player in his position as Mobley, he will have to play harder to earn his minutes.

What does this mean for the Cleveland Cavaliers?

The Cavaliers now have two potential all-stars in Markannen and Sexton. This, combined with a depth in terms of youth and experience, makes them a potential candidate for the playoffs at least. However, they would need their bench depth with Ricky Rubio, Cedi Osman, and Kevin Love to perform consistently as well. Only then would this roster have a chance to contend for the playoffs.

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