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.
Joe Ingles can help with Shooting
The primary reason teams pursue Joe Ingles is his exceptional shooting ability, which makes him an ideal fit for the needs of the Cavs team.
Ingles, the Australian sharpshooter, boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 40% on nearly four and a half attempts per game. He has even averaged as many as six three-point attempts per game, with his lowest shooting percentage at 34.7%.
While there may be some questions regarding his long-term defensive capabilities due to his age and knee history, Ingles demonstrated his shooting prowess in the series against Miami. In the three games where he played at least 20 minutes, he attempted at least six three-pointers per game and made nine over that stretch.
Even in high-pressure situations, Ingles remains a prolific three-point shooter. His career average for playoff games stands at five three-point attempts per game while maintaining a 40% shooting percentage. And if there are any lingering doubts about Ingles’ shooting ability, it’s worth noting that he shot an impressive 53% on catch-and-shoot three-pointers in the recent playoffs.
His shooting consistency is unwavering, and the Cavs would greatly benefit from having a player like him to ignite their offense.
Joe Ingles can help with Playmaking
One often overlooked aspect of Ingles’ game is his impressive playmaking ability, particularly in pick-and-roll situations. He has recorded as many as 5.7 assists per game in a season and managed to average 3.3 assists last year despite a limited role. Over the past six seasons, Ingles has consistently been involved in at least two pick-and-roll plays as the ballhandler, averaging nearly five per game during his time with Utah.
Considering the uncertainties surrounding Caris LeVert and Ricky Rubio’s future with the team, the Cavs may find themselves in dire need of playmakers. While Ingles may not be the primary facilitator tasked with organizing the offense and creating scoring opportunities for others, he is more than capable of making plays during possessions when the offense is stagnant.
When searching for an affordable addition to the roster who fulfills all the necessary criteria, Koby Altman does not need to look any further than Joe Ingles. In addition to his renowned elite shooting, Ingles’ defensive prowess and his 6’8″ frame enable him to hold his own on that end of the court.
Although he may not be the long-term solution at the starting small forward position, Ingles possesses all the qualities to make a significant impact as a key rotational player. If the addition of Joe Ingles is combined with similar acquisitions, the Cavs will be in a promising position for the upcoming year.