Cleveland Cavaliers: Lauri Markkanen, reborn in Cleveland?
By Mack Perry
A fresh start and a new role…
A very wise man once said, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and with that in mind, the Cleveland-based squad is clearly hoping that a fresh start with a new organization will be able to revitalize what was once a very promising career. Markkanen, at just 24 years old, still has much to offer in the form of upside for a Cavaliers team in desperate need of spacing. He fits the team’s current timeline and time will tell what his ultimate role is going to be moving forward.
He has looked very engaged and genuinely appears to have bought into whatever head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and co. are selling the team on. Through four preseason games, Markkanen is providing 13.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting 53.8 percent from the field and knocking down roughly 46.6 percent of his threes.
Plus, the Finlander has also been playing inspired defense and while he may not ever develop into a defensive stalwart, it’s highly encouraging to see him contributing more in that area. He’s done all this in just 20.5 minutes per game. Imagine if he were given more opportunities.
Speaking of opportunities, might we see stretches in which Markkanen, and Evan Mobley occupy the floor together? It certainly looks like a possibility given the apparent chemistry already being displayed between the two. Mobley’s keen eye for making plays/feel and exceptional court awareness for a man his size will factor heavily into finding more ways to get Markkanen involved on the offensive end.
The same applies with the time that he will share with both Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love as well considering the level of passing acumen among those three. He should be able to thrive on the bench with players of that ilk.