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Cavs 2021 NBA Draft: 3 ways that Jalen Green could impact CLE

By Zane Harris

G League Ignite guard/wing Jalen Green handles the ball. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
G League Ignite guard/wing Jalen Green handles the ball. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /
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Larry Nance Jr., Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff (left) discusses a play with Cleveland big Larry Nance Jr. in-game. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

#2: Green could be another serviceable defender for the Cavs

Another way that Jalen Green will impact the Cleveland Cavaliers if he becomes a part of the team by way of the 2021 NBA Draft is he will be yet another serviceable defender on a team that brands itself around defense. During the beginning of the 2020-2021 season, the Cavaliers started the year on a very hot start.

For a bit, they were locked into the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. One of the main reasons as to why they were having so much success is the elite defense they were playing.

Even halfway through the season, the Cavaliers rank 16th in the league in opponent points per game. While this is still in the bottom half of the NBA, it is far much better than their offense which is dead last in the NBA in points per game.

Although this season will likely be another one in which the Cavs end up with a high pick, leading to a prospect like Jalen Green, in flashes they show the team that they one day will become in the future.

That team is one that plays like the city it is located in. The Cavaliers are at their best when they are playing a defensive-oriented and gritty style of basketball.

Green could have a great impact for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff/the Cleveland Cavaliers defense if he is drafted to the team. Currently, he is scouted as a slightly above average defender, currently, but one who has great instincts on the defensive end and could end up being disruptive on the perimeter.

There is not too much more that the Cavs can ask for. It is very rare that a young star player is a high quality defender right when they come into the league, but, Green has all of the qualities you look for in a defender of that caliber. That’s provided Cleveland does help his development there by manipulating lineups to play to his strengths in that realm, though, and guys like Isaac Okoro and Allen can help in stretches, for instance.

And Green is likely to grow more into his build which will allow him to become a much better defender to contain drives/looks more near the interior. Along with this, his previously mentioned elite athleticism will be able to carry him as a defender especially when you pair it with his knowledge and instincts for the game.

With Green, Sexton, and Allen in the starting lineup, the Cavaliers in the near future could be one of the best defenses in the league that opposing teams dread seeing when they are coming up on the schedule.