As the NBA offseason continues forward, the Cleveland Cavaliers are one of many teams hoping to boost their wing position.
The Cavs had a phenomenal regular season, but their lack of consistency at the wing position led to their swift exit from the postseason in five games. That role, then, will be Koby Altman’s primary focus this summer.
Come October, the Cavaliers absolutely must go open the next season with a more offensively versatile roster without tearing down their current four-man core. The Cavs have the league’s best defense on most nights, but their limited scoring is holding them back.
Who, then, is the best target this summer to fill the starting three spot? These three wings are some of the most realistic and smartest additions for Cleveland.
Honorable Mentions: Josh Richardson, Grant Williams, T.J. Warren, Torrey Craig
Good – Troy Brown, Jr.
In five seasons, Troy Brown, Jr. has spent time on three separate teams. Most recently, the young wing played alongside our site’s namesake, King LeBron James, on the Los Angeles Lakers.
On a team with overwhelming turnover at the trade deadline reminiscent of the 2018 Cavaliers, Brown was one of the few players who remained.
There has been little conversation surrounding Brown this off-season, but he could be a sleeper steal for Cleveland’s roster. His minutes fluctuated throughout the regular season and Playoffs, but he managed to impact the game positively every night out as a prototypical 3-and-D wing.
Brown attempted 3.7 long-range shots per game and connected on 38.1 percent of them, per Basketball Reference. Signing the 6-foot 6-inch wing next to Garland and Mitchell would set Brown up for wide-open attempts to make the most of his smooth jumper.
Defensively, the former Oregon Duck holds his own in a well-formed defensive system. Led by Cavs Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Brown’s defensive capabilities would be valued for his hustle and intelligence.
Though Brown looks perfect on a spreadsheet, his inability to secure guaranteed minutes could be cause for concern. In the case that Brown, Jr. is available at a discounted price compared to the league’s top wing free agents, he might be the perfect signing.
Otherwise, these next two wings might be what the Cavs need.