Cavs: 2 realistic expectations for potential FA target Josh Hart

#1: Hart would be reliable for the Cavs defensively

The first realistic expectation for a potential Hart signing relates to them being able to rely on him for stretches on the defensive end, as KJG’s Zane Harris also highlighted.

Hart’s defensive positioning is typically sound on the perimeter, and in particularly non-Isaac Okoro minutes, he could help Cleveland’s defense on-ball against 2s and 3s.

Hart can typically be counted on to deter drivers on-ball and is quick enough to recover to deter pull-up threats when he’s in there, which should be attractive to Cleveland as a possible target this offseason. That could help ease the defensive burden for Okoro, additionally.

From there, Hart’s team defensive feel could make a difference in spurts/stretches for the Cavaliers as well; he’s had a respectable 1.6 percent steal rate thus far through four seasons.

Hart is player that Cleveland could count on to stunt to opposing driving threats on the strong side. And as far as the weak side, he does a solid job of tagging rollers, too, which helps lead to his share of deflections/steals going the other way. He can relied upon to aid in contesting of off-movement shooters, along with that.

In addition, even at 6-foot-5, the sturdy 215-pound Hart is a gifted rebounder, as evidenced by him having 8.0 rebounds per game last season and him having a lifetime 7.5 rebounds per-36 minutes. His clip wasn’t as robust in his first two years with the Los Angeles Lakers pre-trade, but those abilities would make him another grab-and-go threat for Cleveland.

So next up, we’ll take a gander at Hart potentially on the offensive end for the Cavs, feasibly in a key bench role.