The Cleveland Cavaliers have a deep roster, and, for the most part, they have everything covered.
However, their lack of a backup big man was evident when it mattered most.
With that in mind, NBA insider Sam Amico pointed out that bringing in a backup power forward/center who can give the team some quality minutes off the bench should be the Cavs’ No. 1 offseason priority (via Full Court Cleveland):
“The number one thing that I would do, if I put on my GM cap, would [be to] bring in a backup five, a backup center. Maybe somebody who could play 15 to 20 minutes. That’s it. That would be my number one priority,” Amico said.
Priority #1 for @amicohoops is getting a backup #5. #LetEmKnow
"Someone who can play 15-20 minutes per night." pic.twitter.com/25spwaQ5cU
— Full Court Cleveland (@FullCourtCLE) June 4, 2025
Jarrett Allen was a walking double-double throughout the regular season, but his solid defense and rebounding were nowhere to be found against the Indiana Pacers.
It was the third consecutive postseason that Allen was a non-factor in the playoffs, and rolling with 34-year-old Tristan Thompson for heavy minutes or in crunch time was never an option.
Allen’s future with the organization seems to be up in the air right now.
There’s a strong case to be made for moving him while they still can and using the money to add more depth around the Big 3.
But even if that’s not the case, he can’t be out there for 48 minutes, and the Cavs will have to bring in someone to back him up regardless.
There’s also some talk about moving Evan Mobley to play center full-time and have Allen come off the bench as his backup.
And while that might make some sense from a basketball perspective, it’s hard to envision the front office being cool with paying Allen that much money to sit on the bench for most of the game.
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