2 things Cavs fans should want to see from Thon Maker in preseason

#1: Maker playing with verticality for the Cavs on defense

The first thing Cavs fans should want to see from Maker in upcoming Cavs preseason action, from my viewpoint, should be playing with verticality on defense when he’s out there.

Maker, who has played 13.9 minutes per outing through four NBA seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks first, and then after being to the Detroit Pistons, with them, could provide rotational rim protection for Cleveland. And in preseason action, it’d be good to see him being very active as a rotator in the paint when he’s given run versus the Pacers and I’d think, Knicks in Cleveland’s preseason slate.

Maker, although I wouldn’t expect him to play for significant stretches very often for the Cavaliers on a consistent basis, honestly, could be a nice spot minutes/depth option for the 5/some at the 4 at times for the Cavs. Maker, with him being a thinner 221 pounds, wouldn’t be out there for long portions of games often I wouldn’t think, due to foul issues.

But in spurts of contests, he could be a solid rotational rim protecting/shot altering presence to have. That could aid perimeter players such as Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, Cedi Osman, Isaac Okoro and others.

In upcoming preseason action, I hope, and Cavs fans should want to see Maker very active as a rotator when he’s out there, and playing with verticality as a helper.

He’s had a respectable 1.7 blocks per-36 minutes and block rate of 4.1 percent in his career thus far. So, let’s hope to see the 7-foot Maker making his presence felt and utilizing his 7-foot-3 wingspan when the Pacers/Knicks look to convert inside.

Now, I’m not suggesting I want to see Maker chasing blocks and/or ending up out of position/over-helping when that’s not necessary, but him playing with verticality and being a shot alterer when it’s applicable would aid Cleveland’s team defense. If he does that, it would be meaningful.

Next up, we’ll hit on the offensive end for him.