Cavs: 4 NBA free agents that make sense for Cleveland

3 of 5

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 15: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Golden State Warriors walks on court before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Chase Center on February 15, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

3. SG/SF Kelly Oubre

Kelly Oubre isn’t a great offensive option, admittedly. He’s not a great scorer from the perimeter, just 32% for his career from three. Nor is he a great threat on the free-throw line. Shooting is a tough skill set, no doubt. He does provide some scoring, especially inside, but his biggest asset is his defense.

A plus-defender the last three years running, Oubre would be able to provide that added boost for the Cavs defensively. His arrival could even have the Cavs running a lineup of Ricky Rubio, Isaac Okoro, Oubre, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen at times. It won’t score a lot of points but it’ll be hard to get any points against those five men, that’s for sure.

Oubre isn’t ideal, and he’ll likely cost more than the Cavs can spend but assuming they sell him on being a key cog in the defensive unit the team is attempting to build, then maybe, just maybe the Cavaliers could get to the playoffs on their defensive alone.

That doesn’t mean they’ll be complacent elsewhere. They’ll need guys like Dean Wade and Dylan Windler to show their worth and grow as scorers if a defensive-minded guy like Oubre is brought on. Ultimately there are better options, but Oubre would be a nice fit.

Home/Cleveland Cavaliers