Examining the role for Cavs potential trade target Buddy Hield

Potential Cavs lineups featuring Hield

Let’s take a look at some possible lineups the Cavs could run with Buddy Hield. Similar to Sacramento, Cleveland could utilize Hield as an off-the-bench threat. Alongside players like Rajon Rondo, Kevin Love, and others in the secondary lineup, Hield could be a key addition to the Cavs.

Rondo has not had the most stunning season in the NBA this year, averaging only 4.3 points, 3.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds game. But, with a player like Buddy Hield alongside him, I believe Rondo can improve in the latter half of the season. Hield would take the pressure off of Rondo, allowing him to focus more on playmaking while the new Cavalier could thrive as a spark plug, igniting the teams’ offense in late-game scenarios.

Additionally, both Kevin Love and Buddy Hield are currently in the running for Sixth Man of the Year for the 2021-22 NBA season. While players like the Miami Heat’s Tyler Herro, or the Charlotte Hornets’ Kelly Oubre Jr. are more likely to secure the award this season, the notion of having two potential Sixth Man of the Year candidates on the Cavaliers’ bench is fairly enticing. Kevin Love’s resurgence season in Cleveland has been yet another chapter in this feel good story the Cavs have been writing.

Alternatively, Cleveland could explore a starting five consisting of Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, Buddy Hield, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Currently, the Cavs stand at about 22nd overall in the NBA when it comes to points per game. If there is one thing Cleveland needs to focus their attention on, it’s their scoring output; granted, injuries haven’t helped, but the Cavs have room for improvement there.

It’s been evident that the Cavs need to expand their guard depth especially after their 115-105 loss to the Detroit Pistons, and Buddy Hield does just that. A backcourt of Garland and Hield could be lethal for this Cavaliers team.

Garland is having an All-Star caliber season with an assist average of 8.2 per game coupled with 19.7 points per game. With Hield’s average of 14.7 points per game, along with a three-point percentage at 38.1, Garland would have a reliable shooter by his side in Buddy Hield, who can create for himself and off-the-catch.

With a wing like Hield on the court, the Cavs could switch up on opponents consistently during games. Isaac Okoro has been a defensive nightmare for teams this season, and having Buddy Hield playing alongside him could be beneficial for both players.

Hield’s defensive presence might be lacking on the court, he clearly makes up for it with his consistent knockdown shooting. On the other hand, where Okoro might fall short in terms of shooting, he definitely picks up the slack on defense. It’s not too hard to imagine scenarios of these Cavs scoring in transition while Okoro switches up on an opponent to give Hield the room he needs to make his shot.

As we had mentioned earlier, Hield’s defensive skills might not be up to par with other wings in the league. However, Cleveland’s frontcourt duo would definitely enhance Hield’s presence on the court.

At third place in the NBA for defensive rating, the Cavs have carved a name for themselves on that side of the ball. Jarrett Allen is currently ranked eighth overall in the NBA for his rebounding, with an average of 10.8 per game, and Cavaliers rookie Evan Mobley is having a Rookie of the Year-caliber season, averaging 14.8 points along with an impressive 8.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.

Putting a shooter like Buddy Hield on the court with this Cavs frontcourt would be a considerably challenging matchup for opponents.