The “Finnisher”: 2 predictions for the Cavs’ Lauri Markkanen this season

After a whirlwind offseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers finally start the 2021-2022 campaign tonight in Memphis. Just like last year, I expect Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, Isaac Okoro, and Jarrett Allen to all be in the starting lineup. One newcomer to the starting group should be the third overall pick, Evan Mobley. The bench will consist mostly of Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio, Cedi Osman, Dean Wade, and another newcomer, Lauri Markkanen.

Koby Altman swung a trade for the fifth-year man out of Finland. He’s known in some circles as “The Finnisher.” Overall Markkanen is a lengthy four-man, who is a decent rim protector and has a good shot. His change of scenery went somewhat under the radar this offseason, but he could have a major impact on the young Cavaliers squad this season. Here are two rather bold predictions for Markkanen this season.

Markkanen will replace Isaac Okoro in the starting lineup sooner rather than later.

I have no problem saying that I am not a believer in Isaac Okoro as a starter. I think he would be best utilized coming off the bench as a great defender and fast-break finisher. With that being said, he will most likely be in the starting five tonight against Memphis. Unless Okoro comes out and proves he’s gotten much better offensively, J.B. Bickerstaff will really have no choice but to replace him with another player.

However, this is where it gets a bit tricky. If you remove Okoro, the Cavs don’t necessarily have a great three to replace him. The truth is, even with Mobley in the starting lineup, the Cavs will likely be out-sized by most teams. Isaac Okoro is one of the smaller starting small forwards at 6’5″. If Bickerstaff were to get tricky, like I hope he will, he will introduce the seven-foot Lauri Markkanen as the new starter.

This way, the Cavs have three rim protectors on the court, and it also improves them on the offensive side of the court. Markkanen can move pretty well for his size, but even so at certain times, he’ll be mismatched on a faster player. With Allen and Mobley behind him at the rim, you feel more comfortable on defense. This will also let Markkanen run the floor, which is a part of his game that has grown yearly. Adding a jolt like this to an already young and exciting starting lineup could provide the Cavs a huge advantage throughout the season.

Markkannen will finish fourth in scoring on the team.

From what we’ve seen of Markkanen on the Bulls, and from some preseason games, his offensive game has a lot of legs. He’s become a much better shooter and has a solid mid-range game. I think he is the first player off the bench for the immediate future and will provide a spark from that spot. If and when he joins the starting five, his scoring will go even further up with guys like Mobley and Garland around him. Overall the trade will be viewed as a success and he will have a great first year on the roster.

Overall, the Cavaliers have a better roster than they did last year at this point. However, now there are a little bit bigger expectations. I’m excited to finally get to see the Cavs play a meaningful game. Hopefully, this campaign is better than last year. As is usually the case for the Cavs, it should be a wild ride!