Cavs: Starting lineup, rotation without Evan Mobley
Cavs: Rotation options for the next month
The rotation behind the above starters is even more of a guessing game. The injuries have forced players to step up into larger roles, and even while J.B. Bickerstaff has tried to keep his rotation tight he has been able to try out a number of players in the rotation given the revolving door of injuries.
Once Jarrett Allen and Lauri Markkanen are back, there are likely three locks for the rotation. Ricky Rubio, Cedi Osman and Kevin Love. All three were a part of the full-health rotation, with Rubio getting near-starter minutes and Osman absolutely on fire from long-range right now. Love will be the backup 5 and probably play a few minutes alongside Allen as well.
The question becomes how much more Bickerstaff wants to stretch the rotation from there. Dylan Windler has been incredibly solid, playing sound defense, rebounding and hitting shots. Bickerstaff has been reluctant to play him more than 10-15 minutes, though, which may be a strategic choice or it may be a health-related one, managing his minutes for the long haul. There is probably room for a 10 minute role for Windler.
Everyone else is a longshot for the rotation, then, given Bickerstaff’s tight leash this season. Tacko Fall would be the third center, called upon in case of another injury or foul trouble, but he isn’t an option for the regular rotation. Lamar Stevens is a tough defender but his offensive deficiencies were hard on the Cavs, especially when they’re playing Okoro. Dean Wade has been a more balanced option.
Finally, the surprising player the last week has been Denzel Valentine. Bickerstaff has willingly deployed him in a significant role in the midst of all the injuries and absences, including 22 minutes on Monday night. He closed the game with the 6’4″ Valentine at power forward alongside Dean Wade as a smallball 5. Valentine hasn’t shot the ball well but he has hustled and made some plays on the margins, and perhaps Bickerstaff has fallen in love and will elevate him above Windler.
Next. 2 studs and 2 duds in tough loss to Celtics on Monday. dark
Evan Mobley will be missed, as he was a revelation as a rookie making an impact at both ends. The Cavs would not have this record without him. Cleveland and its fans have to be thankful the absence is as short as it is, but it puts pressure on this team to find a way forward without him.