3 reasons we could see Ochai Agbaji break into Cavs starting lineup

Reason No. 2: It would be a better fit in a starting five

Cleveland and their head coach J.B. Bickerstaff experimented with a starting five last season that used three 7-footers in their starting unit. That group included Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Lauri Markkanen. While there are advantages to that type of game plan because you’re making your opponent have to figure out how to defend such a lineup, the disadvantages are greater in my opinion.

While all three players for the Cavs could run the floor, the Cavs were hurt defensively too often, especially when opponents would score in transition. Asking a 7-foot player to get back on defense in transition is asking a lot.

The Cavs should return to a more traditional lineup. Agbaji, who stands at 6’5”, would move into that three spot on the offense. The Cavs should bench Markkanen and have him come off the bench and sub in for Allen or Mobley. Yes, Markkanen is a three-point sharpshooter but his defense is poor and led to some easy baskets by his opponent.

The Cavs will have guard Darius Garland returning at point guard and potentially other shooting guard Collin Sexton will return at the two spot. If Sexton doesn’t return because of a sign-and-trade, then Caris LeVert could start at the two spot. Isaac Okoro started most of last season because Sexton was injured most of the season. Okoro would come off the bench in this new scenario.

Cleveland’s two other bigs in Mobley and Allen would be your starters at the four and five spots. Agbaji would then be that player inserted into the three hole.