3 potential lineups Cavs could run with 2021 draft prospect Jonathan Kuminga

2021 NBA Draft prospect Jonathan Kuminga handles the ball. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
2021 NBA Draft prospect Jonathan Kuminga handles the ball. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers guards Collin Sexton (left) and Darius Garland celebrate in-game. (Photo by Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports) /

Potential Cavs-Kuminga lineup #1: Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, Isaac Okoro, Kuminga, Jarrett Allen

This lineup looks to be the five-man one of the future for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Looking at this season, one thing has been prominent for the Cavs and it’s the lack of on-ball play from their wing players. The addition of Kuminga helps to alleviate this issue as he has showcased the ability to score at all three levels through his first couple of games with the G League Ignite.

With Kevin Love still on the roster and set to make 31 million dollars next season, it’s hard to envision Kuminga starting at the power forward position. Considering that he doesn’t turn 19 until October, having him come off the bench to start the season makes the most sense. This lineup has Kuminga being the first player off the bench, lessening Kevin Love’s minutes to limit injuries.

With Darius Garland and current leading scorer Collin Sexton (22.8 points per outing) at the guard positions, Kuminga could see a ton of off-ball minutes in the lineup, working as a slasher and off-ball shooter. Kuminga would also see on-ball looks in this lineup, getting some touches in the low post and around the three-point line.

The spacing in this lineup will be based on the strides that both Isaac Okoro and Kuminga make as shooters. Kuminga’s passing also projects him to be a great secondary/tertiary playmaker where he and the team could find success, again if the Cavs were to select him in the 2021 NBA Draft.

More specifically, at times, he and Jarrett Allen could operate in the pick-and-roll. Also, we could see Kuminga isolate and look for Garland and Sexton running off screens as well as look for Okoro slashing.

Granted, Love is a player that’s clearly been a subject of trade rumors himself, and that will seemingly continue to be the case, and perhaps he could eventually be moved in the offseason? But we’ll have to see, anyhow, albeit either way, it wouldn’t be the most surprising thing if he were to be on the Cavs still for at least a decent portion of next season.