Following a first-round exit against the New York Knicks, three-point shooting stands out as the top priority to enhance the potential of the Cleveland Cavaliers team. An inexpensive and realistic option to bolster the team’s shooting off the bench is free agent Joe Ingles.
Apart from the two playmakers, Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, the only regular rotational player who garnered the defense’s respect from beyond the arc was Cedi Osman. Incorporating more shooters who can also defend effectively alongside the young core is crucial to maximizing their skill sets.
Despite coming off an ACL injury, Ingles continued to perform at a high level in his year with the Milwaukee Bucks, seamlessly continuing his success from his time with the Utah Jazz. Although Ingles will be 36 years old when the season commences, having an experienced veteran shooter coming off the bench can contribute in various ways. The following are three ways in which Joe Ingles could assist the Cavs in the upcoming season.
Joe Ingles can help with Defense
At 6’8″, Ingles has been widely recognized throughout his career as an exceptional perimeter defender who excels at one-on-one matchups and contesting shots. Although he showcased his defensive capabilities in the limited minutes he played for Milwaukee last season, the team didn’t consistently assign him the most challenging wing assignments as he might have been accustomed to.
It’s worth noting that as a 36-year-old player who has recently undergone major knee surgery, Ingles may not possess the most appealing track record for a wing defender. However, the team can’t expect him to be an elite lockdown defender at this stage of his career. If he can defend his position at an average level, his physical attributes will complement his performance, and having him on the court will work out great for the Cavaliers.