Factory Of Sadness
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3 things the Cleveland Cavaliers need to chase a title in 2024

By Chad Porto

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 18: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers waves to the crowd during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 18, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 107-90. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 18: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers waves to the crowd during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 18, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 107-90. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Apr 6, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Robin Lopez (33) warms up before the game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Robin Lopez (33) warms up before the game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /

Backup center

With all due respect to Robin Lopez, it’s time to say goodbye to the professional game of basketball. The aging veteran couldn’t sit in a chair on the bench, let alone actually help the Cleveland Cavaliers on defense. He was slow, plodding, and took up a seat on the bench that may have been better used on someone like Dwight Howard or Demarcus Cousins at this point.

The Cavs need a backup center but they may not need to go out and get said big man from somewhere else. Khalifa Diop is a young prospect the Cavaliers could bring in to fill out the spot Lopez occupied. Not only that, but the Cavs have several trade options and the mid-level-exception that the team could use to upgrade the position.

While you could realistically make two trades before using the MLE, the Cavs may be better off signing a veteran to the league minimum for this gig. Anyone would seemingly be better than Lopez, who was highly ineffective in 2023. You don’t want just anyone, obviously. You want a center who can, most importantly be a big body and provide defense when the Cavs have to send off Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.

That was a big issue they had during the Knicks series, they were forced to just play Allen and Mobley for most of the games, alternating them on and off the court at different times. This hurt the Cavs’ defense, as the team works best when they’re on the court together.

Getting a backup center who can allow Mobley and Allen time to rest will only help the young duo be better at their job.

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