Cavs: An early look at the starting lineup, rotation minutes

3 of 4

Dylan Windler, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images /

Cavs: An early look at filling out the rotation

Ricky Rubio

Last year the team tried to survive only with Matthew Dellavedova backing up Darius Garland, and that had mixed results due to Delly’s waning athleticism and injuries all around. This year the Cavs will take a significant step up with Ricky Rubio, who would start for a few teams around the league.

Dylan Windler

The Cavs really hope that Dylan Windler can stay healthy this season, as he brings offense on the wing that they don’t have anywhere else. Injuries have limited him to just 31 games across his first two seasons in the league, but he will get the first crack at backup minutes at the 2 and even 3.

Cedi Osman

Cedi Osman has played a significant role in the rotation in past seasons, but last year he took a major step back. If he doesn’t prove himself quickly to have bounced back he could be outside the rotation entirely, and it may not take long for players like Windler and Lamar Stevens to force him out.

Lamar Stevens

Until Evan Mobley can grow into his potential, this team really only has one player ready to defends larger 3s and 4s at a strong level, and that is Lamar Stevens. His offensive limitations will be painful, but with Larry Nance Jr. gone the Cavs need Stevens to play a role against most teams.

Dean Wade

Stevens brings 90 percent defense and 10 percent offense; Lauri Markkanen is the opposite. That reality might earn Dean Wade minutes as a more balanced player on both ends of the court. He was reliable in any role last season and would have been a lock for a significant role if the team had not signed Markkanen late in the summer.

Lauri Markkanen

One of the league’s best 7-foot shooters, Markkanen instantly adds another element to this team’s rotation. He has more versatility to hit shots than Kevin Love, and he can pair offensively with either Mobley or Jarrett Allen.

Kevin Love

If Kevin Love can get fully healthy he has a lot to offer the Cavs, or any other team that might acquire him during the season. That’s a major if, and with the Cavs focused on the future there will likely be many games where Love doesn’t even see the court.