Cavs: Updated starting lineup, rotation after Lauri Markkanen addition

Cavs: Updated starting lineup, rotation – Starters

Darius Garland

The addition of Lauri Markkanen helps with making Ricky Rubio at the point more palatable, but there is no reason to suspect that Garland’s starting spot is in danger. He is more dangerous know with the ball in his hands than Rubio, and he needs reps to cut down on turnovers and improve his defensive instincts.

Collin Sexton

All of the Cavs’ offseason transactions have involved players with strengths not in the realm of shot creation, so Sexton will once again not only start but be called upon as the primary creator of the offense. Unless the Cavs trade him by the deadline, he should match his scoring output from a season ago as he gets up plenty of shots.

Isaac Okoro

The Cavs not only did not add any options at the small forward position, they also took away players in Taurean Prince and Larry Nance Jr. who could play minutes there. There is reason to think Lauri Markkanen could play a few minutes at the 3, but otherwise Okoro will get all the minutes he can handle there, even if he is a more natural 2.

Evan Mobley

One crucial decision for J.B. Bickerstaff and the organization to make is whether or not to start Evan Mobley. In the end I think that they will, similar to what they did with Okoro last year, letting Mobley gain that experience from Day 1. That means Markkanen would have to slide to the bench, but he can be brought in for either Mobley or Jarrett Allen depending on the substitution pattern.

Jarrett Allen

The most expensive member of the young core until Collin Sexton signs his next contract, Allen is a lock to start at the 5 as this roster’s only true center on a guaranteed contract. What is more interesting is who would start if Allen ever misses games; would the team slide Markkanen into the starting lineup and start Mobley at the 5, or would Kevin Love come in as a direct replacement?