It has been no secret that throughout the Donovan Mitchell era, their biggest weakness has been the wing spot for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They have had a bit of a revolving door at that position for many seasons now. From Isaac Okoro to De’Andre Hunter to Max Strus to Sam Merrill to Keon Ellis to Dean Wade, the Cavs have tried and failed to solidify that spot.
Those guys never worked out at the forward spot for a number of reasons and in the case of Strus, Merrill, and Ellis, they had the skillset, they were just far too undersized to play at that spot on a nightly basis. Jaylon Tyson was arguably the team’s best option outside of Wade at that spot last year, but his youth showed in the postseason. However, he had a great year overall last season and looks primed for another step.
With Wade gone to Philly now, Cleveland needed reinforcements in the worst way, and they were able to, as they traded for Denver forward Peyton Watson. Watson gives the Cavs a wing profile that they have not had in years and along with Tyson, it could completely change things for Cleveland.
Having Watson and Tyson on the wings gives this Cavs roster a significant boost
By now, everyone should know that head coach Kenny Atkinson likes multiple guys that can dribble and defend on the court. The problem was that it led to him having four guard lineups out on the court.
Now, Cleveland has more positional size with Watson and Tyson in the fold. Both are tenacious defenders and just overall defensive pests. Both are physical at the point of attack, love to fullcourt press, and muck the game up. In the case of Watson, his bigger frame at 6’8” and 7’1” wingspan allows for him to guard multiple positions.
Tyson showed his defensive potential last season, but would often get caught in bad positions or commit dumb fouls. If he sharpens up the IQ part of his game, his defense will take another step forward.
Additionally, both had strong shooting seasons last year. Watson shot a career-high 41 percent from three-point range, while Tyson ranked inside the top-five in the NBA in three-point percentage. Watson also showed off improved self-creation, which is huge for a Cavs team that could use some more secondary scoring. Tyson also flashed in that department, so if the two continue to take steps there, then Cleveland’s offense becomes much more diverse.
The bottom line is that the Cavs now have two ascending wings on the roster that will help the team right away. That spot has gone from uninspiring to intriguing in a matter of weeks and should they reach their full potential, Cleveland becomes that much more dangerous.
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