4 ways the Cavaliers can solve their toughest offseason problem

Solution No. 4: Commit to an internal candidate

The easiest path for the Cavaliers to take is to look inside for that fifth starter. That’s the solution they attempted last season, but there may have been enough mitigating factors that it’s worth giving it another shot this season.

Caris LeVert was the first choice, and he ultimately was the last one in the final games of the Cavs’ playoff exit. His offensive game is duplicitous with the star backcourt, but defensively he bought in this year and made major improvements. Cleveland almost has to re-sign him just so that they don’t lose him for nothing; will he start, or continue coming off of the bench?

Isaac Okoro was the starter for most of the season, but he flunked his test; his shot is too much of a liability. Dean Wade, on the other hand, can petition for a re-take. Multiple injuries seemed to jack up his shooting motion, but an offseason of work could solve that. If so, his combination of shooting and defense could make him the frontrunner. Finally, Danny Green could get back to a starter level as he is further removed from his ACL tear if he elects to return to the team.

There is no obvious course of action here. All of their solutions will have drawbacks, and they don’t have the assets available to truly address the problem. Which path they take will have major implications for their future.