The Cleveland Cavaliers are gearing up for a playoff push, and this time, they're doing it with a crucial asset they lacked last year: practice time.
A healthy team is a powerful team, and the Cavs are finally getting their key players back on the court. After the All-Star break, the team welcomed the return of Evan Mobley and Dean Wade to practice, with head coach Kenny Atkinson optimistic about their availability for the upcoming game against the Brooklyn Nets. This is a significant boost for a team that has already been on a roll, winning nine out of their last 10 games.
But here's where it gets interesting: the dynamic between James Harden, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley. With Harden's arrival, the Cavs have a former MVP-level playmaker who has a knack for elevating big men's games. The early signs are promising, as Harden and Allen have shown a net rating of plus-7.9 per 100 possessions in their three games together. But the challenge lies in balancing the minutes and spacing to maximize the trio's potential.
Donovan Mitchell, who has developed a strong partnership with Mobley, believes the team has found a winning formula. He suggests a rotation that pairs him with Mobley and Harden with Allen, allowing each duo to thrive. However, Atkinson acknowledges the complexity of reintegrating Mobley into the lineup, especially with Harden's addition. The coach aims to establish defined roles and combinations, ensuring the team is firing on all cylinders by April.
And this is the part most people miss: the Cavs are not just aiming to make the playoffs; they're building a championship contender. With health and practice time on their side, the Cavs are poised to make a deep run. But will the addition of Harden and the reintegration of Mobley be enough to take them to the top? Only time will tell, and the next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the team's destiny.
What do you think? Is the return of Mobley and the addition of Harden enough to push the Cavs over the edge? Or is there another piece to the puzzle they're missing?
