4 best lineups for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2023-24 season

Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers. (Photo by David Richard-USA TODAY Sports)
Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers. (Photo by David Richard-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Cleveland Cavaliers big Jarrett Allen (middle) and Cleveland wings Isaac Okoro (left) and Caris LeVert (right) celebrate in-game. (Photo by David Richard-USA TODAY Sports) /

Lineup No. 2: Second unit

PG: Darius Garland

SG: Isaac Okoro

SF: Caris LeVert

PF: Georges Niang

C: Jarrett Allen

Finding ways to manage bench units without sacrificing production is crucial for teams aspiring to win a championship. When Mitchell and Mobley need a break, keeping Garland and Allen together can maintain the pick-and-roll as the primary offensive weapon for this lineup. Substituting Niang for Strus maintains the spacing that the initial lineup offered, as Niang is a player who has shot around 40 percent from three-point range on approximately four attempts per game throughout his career, albeit not nearly Strus’ volume.

With two of the team’s main offensive focal points coming off the bench in Mitchell and Mobley, inserting LeVert allows him to assume the role of the true number two in the lineup, where he excels. Last year, he was forced to be the wing alongside Mitchell and Garland, requiring him to play more off-ball than usual. Allowing him to enter the game with this lineup enables him to showcase his creativity as a ball-handler in pick-and-roll situations and reduces the instances where he needs to be a spot-up shooter.

While Isaac Okoro may not currently be a favorite among fans, recent moves have solidified his position as the team’s best perimeter defender and a meaningful rebounder. His shooting still leaves room for improvement, as his efficiency has increased, but his confidence appears to be lacking. Nevertheless, Okoro can still provide valuable minutes off the bench, serving as the go-to player for perimeter defense.