Cavs: Free agent Isaiah Hartenstein can still have value as depth 5

Hartenstein would provide the Cavs with valuable 5 man depth

Small sample with the Cavs or not, I do believe that with the touch and post-up capabilities he displayed, that Hartenstein could still have value as a depth 5 for the Cavs. That’s as a de facto third 5.

With Mobley having a ways to go in relation to filling out, as we alluded to, Hartenstein, who is a gifted passing big in his own right, could play in some spurts even with Mobley, with three perimeter shooters around them.

I do, as a side note, buy that Mobley will be an effective enough shooter from the outside in due time too, and/or be highly effective via floaters or in the mid-range area. And him and Hartenstein could have a meaningful two-man game.

In any case, with the Cavs still feasibly needing a third 5 for depth, I would be on-board with them looking to bring Hartenstein back.

Hartenstein is a very effective rebounder on both ends of the floor, as evidenced by his 11.7 rebounds per-36 minutes last season, for one. The offensive game is encouraging for him too, and while him being a 7-footer is notable for rim protection as well, he’s a sturdy 250 pounds, which helps in stretches for interior defense.

Moving along, Hartenstein wouldn’t cost much as a re-signing for depth, either.