Cavs: There’s still a place for Isaiah Hartenstein in Cleveland
By Chad Porto
The Cavs are maintaining an eye on former player Isaiah Hartenstein.
Just when you think you’re out, they pull you back in. That has to be the thought process that Isaiah Hartenstein is dealing with at the moment after the Cavs showed up to an open workout that he was conducting. The Cavaliers lost Hartenstein at the start of the offseason when it became clear to people that the organization was leaning in the direction of selecting a big-man in the 2021 NBA Draft, and Hartenstein opted out of his contract.
Hartenstein was right to test the market, because that’s exactly what the Cavs did, selecting Evan Mobley third overall. Acquired in the deal for JaVale McGee, Hartenstein played very good defense for the Cavaliers in his lone half-season with the team. His departure was not one that many celebrated, as he was someone who showed great potential as a defensive presence down low.
A reunion may be on the horizon, however.
With the Cavs struggling to find free agents who want to join up this offseason, the Cavs may in fact still be interested in Hartenstein, who could help the Cavs out in the event of a Kevin Love injury or trade. The only question comes down to; would Hartenstein take such a limited role?
FA Isaiah Hartenstein, who finished season with #Cavs after being acquired in JaVale McGee trade, held a workout for teams in Vegas on Friday, a source said. Cavs had a rep on hand. As I’ve written, the door remains open for a return. But seems Cavs are still prioritizing wing
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) August 15, 2021
The Cavs need another wing but Isiah Hartenstiein would do
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The Cavaliers really need another exterior player, preferably a forward or guard-type who could play both the 2 and 3 on a basketball court. A player like Garrison Mathews makes all the sense in the world to be that guy but the problem with free-agent acquisitions is that they actually have to want to come to your team.
That doesn’t mean Mathews doesn’t, it just means that the Cavs haven’t offered him a contract or that Mathews hasn’t signed said contract. If the Cavs are looking for a guy who’s a + on both offense and defense, Mathews has been just that in his last two years with the Wizards. He’d be a perfect fit on the team if he’s interested.
Therein lies the problem, the Cavaliers may not be a team he’d want to join. Heck, a lot of players the Cavs have had rumored interest in have not been as open to going to Cleveland. We know that because the Cavaliers have yet to sign anyone of notoriety this offseason. Sure, they’ve signed some G-Leaguers and Summer League guys but that’s it.
If Cleveland doesn’t go after a Mathews-type player then they should absolutely go after Hartenstein. They should go after Hartenstein regardless, he was a player who fits very well in the Cavs’ system but if you can’t get a guy like Mathews, Hartenstein would help round out the bench. With Love’s future in the air, Hartenstein could play next to Mobley if Mobley continues to develop his perimeter play.
Even as a reserved who only plays when a guy is injured, he’d still offer plenty of value.
Next. Cavs Rumor: Collin Sexton extension offer is back on the table. dark