Building the Cavs rotation means going two by two

Building the Cavs rotation 2×2: LeVert and Wade

We’re almost done with the rotation led by Donovan Mitchell; who will come in with Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen? Here the key is a combo forward who can defend 3s and 4s; Allen is one of the best pure centers defending in space, but he is most valuable staying close to the rim. Garland, on the other hand, would be best paired with a backcourt partner with size and secondary ball-handling.

That looks like a job for Caris LeVert and Dean Wade. LeVert is a candidate to start but the Cavs would be much better off bringing him in off the bench. If the Cavs need to spend time with both Garland and Mitchell off the court LeVert is a decent fill-in, but he can also pair with Garland in the regular rotation.

LeVert’s play-making when teams take the ball out of Garland’s hands is valuable, as he can attack a shifted defense and either score or find teammates. He showed some chemistry with Jarrett Allen during the preseason and can run pick-and-rolls with Garland and Wade spotting up around them.

Wade is the perfect fit with Jarrett Allen. He can take on the more intimidating option at the 3 or 4 on the opposing side, and on offense is a solid enough shooter to space the floor around Allen. Limeups featuring both Allen and Wade played 435 minutes last season and held opponents to just a 103.7 offensive rating, one of the better marks on the team.