Cavs: 2 goals for FA target Pat Connaughton if he’s signed

Goal #1 for Connaughton: Fill a leadership role on the Cavs bench

While players such as Larry Nance Jr. and Alfonzo McKinnie (albeit whose deal is non-guaranteed for next season onward) pose as veterans on the Cavaliers bench, players with more recent winning experience are always welcomed additions to the team. In his career, Connaughton has played roles on multiple winning teams, both as a part of the Portland Trail Blazers organization as well as the Bucks.

Having NBA experience, including that within the playoffs, could prove to be a great resource for the Cavaliers rebuild, though not to discount Nance and McKinnie’s, of course. Eventually, the Cavaliers are going to want to enter their names back into the postseason conversation. They are going to have to do so on the backs of their young talent, Sexton, Garland, Porter Jr. and others.

For those players to continue to grow and improve, they need guidance. And while veterans such as Kevin Love and Nance Jr. have been to the postseason and are currently great leaders on the team, adding Connaughton definitely would not hurt.

In April of 2019, ESPN’s Malika Andrews’ story shared insight into late-night workouts composed by Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. And, as the article states, Antetokounmpo would occasionally be surprised to find Connaughton already in the gym working on his game.

The work ethic that Connaughton displayed in the ESPN piece is something that he could ideally instill into his teammates. Connaughton would not only be a role model for younger players, but also a culture setter for the Cavaliers.

Connaughton would bring winning experience, postseason experience and a strong work ethic to the Cavaliers organization. And for a young team looking to develop its current talent, Connaughton would be a great source of veteran leadership to add to the Wine and Gold.