Cavs: 3 standout performers from preseason action thus far

The 3 Cavs preseason standouts: #3 – Lauri Markkanen

At #3, I have to go with Lauri Markkanen. Like many other Cavaliers players, Markkanen struggled mightily at his former team in Chicago in that preseason opener. He looked out of sorts, and unsure of where to be, to some extent, in that one.

But it was objectively understandable, as it was Markkanen’s first, well technically, game action with the Cavs.

He has shown some nice things, to a large extent, since, though. In the past three preseason games, the offseason sign-and-trade acquisition has find his footing more.

He had 11 points on five-of-seven shooting at Atlanta in 19 minutes, 11 points on four-of-eight shooting, including going three-of-six from three in 21 minutes versus Indiana, and had seven rebounds then.

And in the 102-101 loss to Chicago on Sunday, in what was a start for him as a supersized 3, he flashed some real viability, along with in other spurts previously, and had 18 points on eight-of-14 shooting, including going two-of-from three. He had three assists, three big blocks and two steals and did to be active in that one on defense, too.

Markkanen has appeared to be quite the offseason add, and while I personally wouldn’t expect him to starting regularly, he will seemingly end up getting a starter’s share of minutes, anyway, and could be a factor in closing lineups either way. Cleveland can’t rely on him to be a defensive factor, though, and starting at the 3 is not something I’d anticipate regularly, as Isaac Okoro is a different level of player there.

Regardless, Markkanen has looked to be a crucial player offensively for the Cavaliers, and even with it having just been preseason, the skill and shooting the 7-footer has displayed offensively has reiterated that he’ll be an offensive focal point to watch. As likely mostly a sixth man, he’ll be an impact player, clearly, and I have him at #3 among preseason Cavs performers through four games.