Why the 2022-2023 season is huge for Cavs’ Lauri Markkanen

Markkanen must improve his efficency, and find ways to create some for himself and others

Like I mentioned in the previous paragraph, Markkanen was a pretty good shooter by most metrics last year. Hitting shots at a 45% clip, that was respectable, given the amount of perimeter looks he attempted, too. However, that efficiency needs to improve if the Cavs want to be major players in the Eastern Conference. On top of that, it would be a good sign if he could get his three-point percentage closer to 40%, because he did average over six per game last year, and he was streaky.

With that being said, Markkanen also has to find ways to get himself, or others at times, open. His mid-range game isn’t anything that overly impresses you, and while he is able to finish at the rim because of his height at 6-foot-11, he could use to add some more muscle. If he adds some more of that, he could develop a good post-game against smaller opponents, considering his height on the wing makes him a major mismatch for opponents. Granted, given his role, that might not be what’s prioritized.

Regardless, this will be Markkanen’s second year in Cleveland, and it’s a big one. The Cavaliers have been in a rebuild mode for four-plus years now, and it looks like last season they may have found the recipe for success.

But, a lot of that hinges on Markkanen’s play this season. If he can’t be efficient on the offensive end, and a solid team contributor on defense, we could see the Cavs slide like they did at the end of the 2021-22 season. Of course, some of that was due to injury, such as to Jarrett Allen.