The Cleveland Cavaliers have stayed strong after the All-Star break and have kept a tight hold on the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. They have looked confident in trying to keep home court advantage, but a few questions have lingered in the minds of many Cavs fans. One such question is how the Cavs move forward after buying out Kevin Love’s contract.
With Love off the roster, the Cavs only have two players who can confidently play the power forward position (Evan Mobley, Dean Wade) and two players that can hold down the center position (Jarrett Allen, Robin Lopez). Although it might be too late to look for extra depth now, it isn’t too early to look for depth in this summer’s free agency.
So far, the Cavs need to look for a backup center for next season. Jarrett Allen still has three years left after this season, but Robin Lopez expires this year. There are multiple centers who could take that role, but it needs to be an upgrade from Lopez.
Here’s a look at three potential backup centers the Cavs could target this summer in free agency.
In no particular order, these are three centers who could fill the backup center role: Tristan Thompson, DeMarcus Cousins, and Vernon Carey Jr.
Tristan Thompson has been a player that has been very dear to many Cavs fan’s hearts. He was a part of Cleveland’s championship run in 2016. As the backup center, he could provide a strong veteran presence in the locker room similar to Kevin Love. It may sound like a good idea to have Thompson back, but it may be hard to pull him away from being an NBA analyst.
Even though he has been looked down upon the last few years, DeMarcus Cousins has been trying to get back into the league for a long time now. Cousins was a former All-Star for the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans. After dealing with injuries on the Golden State Warriors, Cousins has not had a long-term contract in a while.
If the Cavaliers sign him, Cousins could be a strong mentor for Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Also, with him trying very hard to get back into the league, Cousins could try to put together a comeback season and put a lot of heart into trying to get the Cavs a championship.
Vernon Carey Jr. could fit with the young core the Cavaliers have put together. He is currently 22 and in his fourth season. He may be able to be molded into a great backup big by J.B. Bickerstaff if given the opportunity.
No matter which guy Cleveland decides to sign, they need to be able to fit in in some form or fashion. The Cavs could bring back Robin Lopez, but they are going to need to bring in more talent along with him.
Hopefully, the Cavaliers will make the right choice on who they sign as the backup center this summer.