The 2023 NBA Draft was a quiet one for the Cleveland Cavaliers, coming in with a single second-round draft pick and exiting with a single second-round draft pick selection. Emoni Bates from Eastern Michigan will be coming aboard, but that’s the only addition or subtraction.
Heading into the draft there were certainly conversations about a larger move, be that trading up into the first round or purchasing another second-round pick. Instead, the Cavaliers enter free agency still needing to fill multiple spots in their rotation.
What does the depth chart look at each position heading out of the draft and into free agency? Let’s break it down.
Cavaliers’ depth chart at guard
Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell are entrenched at the two starting guard positions, as they were for every game they played in last season. Barring something insane and unexpected, the Cavaliers won’t be shopping for a replacement to start.
It’s the depth behind them that is shakier. Ricky Rubio is under contract for this season but had a shaky return from injury last season. How much does the organization trust him to bounce back after a full offseason of recovery and rehab? The Cavs also have Sam Merrill on a non-guaranteed deal, and he can handle the ball a little even as his NBA role is being defined as more of a movement shooter.
What’s coming: The Cavaliers almost certainly have to sign another point guard as both Ricky Rubio insurance and to fill minutes when either Rubio or Garland miss time. They won’t invest a lot in this position, instead shopping on the bargain market for a third point guard. It’s possible they bring back Raul Neto in that role, but not probable. Otherwise, with Garland and Mitchell in line for heavy minutes, there isn’t much need here for more.
Cavaliers’ depth chart on the wing
This is the biggest question mark in store for the Cavaliers this summer. They desperately need to upgrade on the wing, but their resources are limited and there aren’t a ton of options out there. This is the pivot point of the offseason.
For now, Isaac Okoro is the most established returning player, having started the vast majority of games over the past three seasons at small forward. Cedi Osman has the longest tenure, and all signs point to the Cavs staying over the cap this offseason, making it very unlikely they waive Osman’s non-guaranteed deal.
It has already been reported that the Cavs are keeping Lamar Stevens heading into the season, and Dean Wade is hoping for a bounce-back this season after an injury-riddle year a season ago. Finally, second-round pick Emoni Bates is likely to join the team on a two-way deal, but is unlikely to factor in as a rookie.
What’s coming: The Cavaliers will need to make a decision on Caris LeVert: how much are they offering, and for how many years? The trick will be not bidding against themselves, as LeVert will likely have limited suitors on the open market, and perhaps none at a number above the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception amount of $12.4 million.
Dylan Windler is a free agent and almost certain to be let loose to sign with another team. Danny Green is a more interesting question, and there is a strong case for bringing him back as both a veteran shooter and mentor to the team.
From there, it’s open season on the trade market and in free agency to sign a potential starter at small forward, and to add at least one other depth piece. Names from Gary Trent Jr. to Kelly Oubre Jr. to you-name-the-player have been discussed. It would be a complete shock to see the Cavs use the MLE on anyone other than a wing.
Cavaliers’ depth chart of bigs
Similar to guard, the key players here are set in stone. While rumors have swirled around Jarrett Allen this summer, thus far the Cavaliers have rebuffed all offers. The plan as it stands is for the team to head into next season with their twin towers in place, Allen at center and rising star Evan Mobley at power forward. That could change if the right offer is made for Allen.
As far as players currently under contract, that’s as far as the list goes. Robin Lopez is an unrestricted free agent and not likely to return. Mamadi Diakite had a few moments last year but appears to be out of two-way eligibility and won’t be considered for a full contract. Isaiah Mobley will be back, but whether on the 15-man roster or one of the two-way deals is still an open question.
What’s coming: Even assuming Isaiah Mobley is in for a larger role next season, the Cavaliers will look to add at least one player to their big rotation. Look for a stretch big to be on their wish list, but they could also look for a shot-blocker instead (shopping on the minimum won’t net you both in one player).
With the vast majority of minutes at center taken up by Allen and Mobley, the larger team-building question is whether the Cavs want to stay big all the time or play combo forwards as the backup 4s. If the latter, they’ve already got Dean Wade and Lamar Stevens on the roster. If the former, the possibility of adding a stretch-big like Georgis Niang or JaMychal Green makes sense.