The Cleveland Cavaliers face a daunting challenge as they announce that Evan Mobley will be sidelined for several weeks due to injury. This adds to a growing list of injuries that have already stretched the team’s depth to its limits. Currently positioned as the seventh seed in the playoffs with a 15-11 record, the Cavaliers must embrace a “next man up” mentality to navigate the tough stretch ahead.
With Mobley out, and Jarrett Allen also dealing with health issues alongside Larry Nance being unavailable for weeks, it’s critical for several players to rise to the occasion. Here are three key players who will need to step up during this challenging period.
First is Thomas Bryant. The Cavaliers signed Bryant in the offseason with the expectation that he would provide valuable minutes alongside Mobley and Allen, allowing for proper rest. Unfortunately, his performance thus far has been underwhelming, averaging just eight minutes on the court, with 3.3 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. With the current roster complications, Bryant is likely to find himself in a starting position. This is his moment to prove he can be a force in the paint and contribute essential scoring to the team, alleviating the scoring burden while Mobley is out.
Next on the list is Nae’Qwan Tomlin, who has shown promising potential despite being relatively new to the sport. Averaging seven points, 3.5 rebounds, and nearly a block per game in his second season, Tomlin has demonstrated his dynamism on the court, particularly during his time with the Cleveland Charge. Given the lack of depth in the frontcourt, he will be called upon to ramp up his contributions. While still a developing talent, Tomlin’s opportunity to shine could be a silver lining in this injury situation, allowing him to garner valuable experience and showing the Cavaliers what he’s capable of.
Finally, De’Andre Hunter, who has been having a solid season with an average of 16 points per game, must elevate his performance even further. With Donovan Mitchell looking to shoulder the scoring load, Hunter has a prime opportunity to step into a more significant role. His ability to create shots and finish strong will be vital for the team. Despite a dip in efficiency recently, Hunter’s potential to surpass 20 points per game in the coming weeks could transform him into a crucial asset for the Cavaliers.
Additionally, keep an eye on Jaylon Tyson, a breakout second-year player who may find an expanded role, potentially stepping into a third-option position alongside Mitchell and Hunter. This injury crisis could inadvertently create opportunities for younger players to grow and develop within the Cavaliers’ system.
As injuries challenge the team, the upcoming games can serve as a testing ground for talent and resilience, providing hope for the Cavaliers to emerge stronger on the other side. With the right adjustments and performances, they can maintain competitiveness and hope for a successful season.