Cavs Roster Breakdown Part 4: Power Forwards

This is the fourth in a six part series that will break down the Cavs roster and look at the potential moves they could make in offseason. The first day will focus on the point guard position, followed by shooting guard, small forward, power forward, center, and the Cavs bench.

Behind point guard, power forward may be the strongest position on the Cavs roster. With Tristan Thompson, Samardo Samuels, and Anderson Varejao able to play for four, they have legit power forwards available. And if needed, Luke Harangody can play the position as well.  None of these players are elite – but that’s okay. Varejao plays incredibly hard, Thompson improved over the course of last season, and Samuels was surprising solid last season.

Current Power Forwards – Anderson Varejao, Samardo Samuels, Tristan Thompson, Luke Harangody

–       The interesting thing about this position is that Varejao, Thompson, and Samuels all played some center last season. With the drafting of Tyler Zeller, will that still be the case? If not, power forward will be a jammed pack position, and the starting spot will be highly contested. If it comes down to it, I’d start Thompson over Varejao. I like both players a lot, but I think Varejao would be better coming off the bench than Thompson because of the energy he plays with. In games where the Cavs look flat, he could provide a burst of energy that few players in the NBA can.

–       Key Stats – Varejao – 10.8 points per game, 11.5 rebounds per game, 67.2% shooting. The Cavs Brazilian Wild Thing had the best season of his career last season. He shot at a high rate, and averaged a double double, and was arguably the best player on the roster last season. If he can do that again, even if he comes of the bench, he could possibly be the Cavs MVP.

Some Power Forwards Available: Antawan Jamison (from Cavs), Jason Thompson, Elton Brand, J.J. Hickson (former Cav), Kris Humphries

Best Fit for the Cavs: None

The Cavs should not sign any power forward. Restricted Free Agents like Thompson and Hickson are intriguing, but will likely remain where they are. However, don’t be surprised if Humphries ends up in a Cavs uniform via a sign and trade. Reports are linking the Cavs too the Nets forward in sign and trade deals involving Dwight Howard. If the Cavs do take him on, it will be short term, and they will likely receive draft picks as extra compensation.

Best Case Scenario: Thompson improves, Varejao plays great off the bench, and Samuels provides solid depth. The position provides no headaches.

Worst Case Scenario: Thompson and Samuels both regress, and Varejao suffers a major injury for the third time in his NBA career. Luke Harangody mans the position for a long period of type, giving Cavs fans headaches.

What Likely Happens: Thompson improves, and Varejao becomes one the league’s elite bench players. Samuels plays solid when called upon, and the position is a strong part of the roster.