Cavs: 3 takeaways for Mfiondu Kabengele from Summer League Game 1
By Mack Perry
His defensive presence could be key to smaller lineups for the Cavs next season.
The Florida State alum has the tools to become a rim deterrent and he very well could be if he continues to put in work on the less glamorous end of the court. He chipped in with 2 blocks against Houston and didn’t hesitate to meet the Rockets at the rim when the situation called for it.
There will be plays like a posterization attempt that Jalen Green nearly completed on him, but there are also sequences in which Kabengele can wow with his ability to slide his feet and be the second line of defense for the Cavs backcourt. He did just that when a few possessions later he picked Green up on a blow-by of Jaylen Hands and stifled a shot attempt at the rim.
His defensive chops were put on full display in this matchup which can, perhaps, best be highlighted by his willingness to challenge a Kenyon Martin Jr. dunk attempt around the 9:40 mark in the 2nd quarter which resulted in a block. His confidence to go up and do so could’ve landed him on a bad highlight but the mere fact that he did so without concern for that is encouraging.
His ability to get vertical could prove a valuable asset when the Cleveland-based squad decides to roll out smaller units with Kabengele manning the five.