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

Goal #2 for Connaughton: Establish himself as a solid 3-and-D option for the Cavs

Putting leadership and hard work aside, the Cavaliers would be expecting Connaughton to have an impact on the floor as well. Pat Connaughton would have to find a way to effectively implement his skill set into the plans of Cleveland head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

The best way for Connaughton to make an instant impact on the Cavaliers is to establish himself as a solid 3-and-D threat off the bench. And as an already capable three-point shooter off-the-catch and defender, Connaughton could fit this role well.

During the 2020-21 NBA season, the Cavaliers bench will likely feature familiar figure, Nance, Porter Jr. and Dante Exum, among others. While the Cavaliers bench features multiple players with playmaking abilities, the addition of Connaughton would be welcomed, because his skill set would fit smoothly with any lineup the Cavs offered.

His shooting and defense would be welcomed abilities next to the likes of Garland and Sexton, both of whom could like Connaughton as a potential kick-out option on drives. Having his veteran presence on the court would likely be viewed as a welcomed bonus by Bickerstaff.

The only question about Pat Connaughton’s fit with the Cavaliers is who he would be taking minutes from. Would Connaughton be playing minutes that could have alternatively been played by younger players such as Porter Jr. or Windler?

General manager Koby Altman would have to decide if the contributions of Connaughton would be truly worth it for the Cavaliers this upcoming free agency period.