Updated depth chart: The Bigs
The Cavaliers have already made multiple additions to their frontcourt and project to add at least one other player as well, making this likely to be the position group with the most new additions. That starts with Georges Niang, a knockdown shooter likely to play power forward when either Jarrett Allen or Evan Mobley are playing as the sole center.
For now, Allen and Mobley remain as the starters at center and power forward, respectively, but recent reports have revealed that Cleveland is having trade discussions around Jarrett Allen. If they move Allen it will likely be for help at forward, sliding Mobley down to full-time center.
It’s a battle royale behind those three players as to who else will receive minutes. Dean Wade is the incumbent at backup power forward, but an injury-riddled last season seemed to sap the coaching staff’s confidence in him and they signed Niang to replace him. Damian Jones will be the backup center but likely only sees minutes if Allen or Mobley are hurt.
Isaiah Mobley is the wild card, likely to return on a two-way contract for another season but with the potential to play his way onto the full roster. He was dominant in the G League last season and has an intriguing combination of rebounding and passing to give the Cavs a different look as the third big. At this point, it would be a surprise if he doesn’t have that role by the 2024-25 season, and it could be sooner if Allen is moved.