These 3 Cavs need to reach out and seize a rotation spot in preseason

The preseason serves a number of purposes for NBA teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers. Players get to shake off rust, and those coming off of serious injuries get to gain some confidence in their bodies in a lower-leverage situation. Game plans and lineups can get playtested. The final few roster spots on a team can be filled, often by players on training camp invitations.

Another way the Cavs can use the preseason is to figure out their rotation. Some players are locks to play a significant role. Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen will all start. Kevin Love and Caris LeVert are going to see time, and Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade will share minutes at small forward. That’s eight players, not even counting Ricky Rubio who will miss a large chunk of the season rehabbing.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are deep, so some guys won’t play regularly. Which Cavs need to ball out in the preseason to get into the rotation?

Who could reach out and seize a rotation spot? Honestly, just about anyone on the roster. Of the 14 players currently under contract, all have a path to playing time, but only one or two of them will receive it, especially when this team is at full strength.

Which players are currently on the outside of the rotation looking in, and need a strong preseason performance to step onto the right side of the rotation bubble? Let’s look at three players who will need to prove they deserve minutes before they get to use them.