The Cleveland Cavaliers are coming into a really vital season. After profitable 64 video games final yr, and incomes the primary seed within the East, the Cavs flamed out within the second spherical in 5 video games as soon as once more. This time it was to Tyrese Haliburton, and the Indiana Pacers.
With Haliburton out for the yr and Celtics star Jayson Tatum out for many of subsequent season, the East has by no means been extra large open. Cleveland is returning largely the identical roster (minus Ty Jerome), and their solely established competitors is the New York Knicks. There are different groups on the come up just like the Hawks, Pistons, and Magic, however the Cavs don’t have any excuse to not make a deep run this yr.
Cleveland did obtain robust information this previous week when it was introduced that Max Strus, their projected beginning small ahead, would miss the subsequent 4 months attributable to a foot fracture. Strus is a key a part of the Cavs’ rotation because of his versatility, so changing him can be robust. Thankfully for Cleveland, his substitute is on their roster.
Jaylon Tyson must step up in Strus’ absence
Tyson didn’t play loads final yr attributable to the truth that the Cavs had been one of many deepest groups within the league. Particularly after they acquired De’Andre Hunter on the commerce deadline, the trail to constant taking part in time was by no means there for Tyson.
That ought to change this yr. Even when Strus had been wholesome, Cleveland had massive plans for Tyson. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has been singing his praises all offseason, and Tyson did have a powerful summer season league.
Tyson profiles as the right small ahead for the Cavs. He’s a tenacious defender and rebounder, he’s a flexible offensive piece, and his bounce shot has made progress. He can even take the strain off of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland as a ball handler.
The pattern dimension is small, however Tyson’s per 36-minute numbers had been robust final season. He averaged 13 factors, eight rebounds, and 5 assists based on his per 36, and whereas he gained’t common 36 minutes a recreation subsequent season, that’s an encouraging signal that he might contribute with extra minutes.
Tyson has the right alternative to be the Cavs’ X-factor
Strus gained’t see the court docket till January. Garland is ready to overlook just a few video games to begin the yr. That is Tyson’s likelihood to reside as much as his first-round billing. He has the ability set to thrive in Atkinson’s free-flowing offense, and Tyson might help the Cavs carry again that defensive identification they sorely lacked within the spring.
Tyson has the veteran-like demeanor that’s not seen loads in younger gamers. When he acquired drafted, he mentioned he desires to mannequin his recreation after Josh Hart, who is among the stronger position gamers within the league. If he can do this, then not solely does it let Cleveland survive Strus’ absence, however makes them a deeper crew for when it issues subsequent April.
