Timofey Mozgov has struggled for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Could Channing Frye take his starting spot?
Earlier today, Luke made a compelling argument that Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert should start for the Cavs. A lot of valid reasons that this makes sense. In particular, the Cavs setting a defensive identity as they enter the NBA Playoffs is huge.
They won’t outscore the Golden State Warriors but defensively maybe they can slow them down just enough.
The problem with either Mozgov or Thompson is the limited floor spacing they provide, especially when paired with Shumpert.
Mozgov has just not been good all year for the Cavs. Many, including this writer, hoped that time, conditioning and health of his knee would lead to a return to form from last year. Instead, Mozgov has been only a +0.2 on the floor this season compared to his +3.2 last year, the difference is huge.
That leads us to the possibility of starting Channing Frye instead. Since coming over to the Cavs, the 6’11” forward has seen his minutes fluctuate but has been an important player. He is only averaging about 16 minutes a game but, with the Cavs, he is hitting 40% of his shots from deep to go along with 3.4 rebounds as well.
None of the Cavs options at center are perfect. Thompson is undersized with limited range. Kevin Love is undersized and understrength for the middle. Mozgov just struggles and Frye is slim and easily moved off his spot.
Frye’s +3.2 plus/minus equals what Mozgov was giving the Cavs last year and gives the Cavs flexibility at the position. His ability to shoot, starting alongside Kevin Love, would open up the floor for LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. With Frye outside, the paint would also be freed up for Love to play down low without being doubled. With Thompson or Mozgov on the floor, another defender is usually close by.
Frye’s major weakness, defense, isn’t helped by playing with Love in the frontcourt. The Cavs would have no shot blocking presence or strength in the middle. For his career, Frye is blocking 0.7 shots per game. With the Cavs this season, Frye has an amazing 99.4 defensive rating. For the entire season it bumps up to 101.4.
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The Cavs, and HC Tyronn Lue, could decide to get very creative with their starting center. Since it has been in flux most of the year, they can continue doing so. Frye can start against teams that are weak on the inside and when the Cavs want to maintain spacing as much as possible. Mozgov can start against teams with bigger starting centers, like the Detroit Pistons or San Antonio Spurs, to take the brunt of the pounding. Thompson is the starter when the Cavs value defensive flexibility, such as against the Warriors.
Timofey Mozgov hasn’t been the answer at center. Tristan Thompson has started and come off the bench at different times this season with no clear plan. Is it time to start the sweet shooting big man Channing Frye and see what happens?
What do you think about Channing Frye as the Cavs starting center?