Cleveland Cavaliers Preseason: What to Watch as Training Camp Wraps Up
The Cleveland Cavaliers are on the cusp of live competition again. With training camp in Spain winding down and the roster settling into its final form, the preseason is officially shifting from preparation to performance. For fans, this is the moment the new-look team steps onto the court and everything moves from speculation to substance.
October 8 against Boston marks the day things will officially play out with real competition. And there is certainly a lot to keep an eye on for this evolving team.
Peyton Watson’s First Look
Peyton Watson was brought to Cleveland to help them contend for a championship, and nothing less. The new starting small forward immediately signed a four-year deal and is projected to fill that role from day one. He brings a distinctly different profile to the wing compared to Max Strus.
Adding height the Cavs did not have before, Watson provides more length on the perimeter, which changes the defensive equation significantly. Whereas Strus and Jaylon Tyson could not be easily slotted into the SF role, Watson will have no problem with that. Unlike the way the team sacrificed offense for defense with Dean Wade, this new addition is expected to contribute on both ends of the floor.
The excitement is very palpable for the player acquired from Denver this offseason. And it is finally time to watch him play in a real NBA setting.
Team Chemistry Check
Of course, the best version of the Cavs will be the one competing deep into April, fighting for a top-six seed and making a playoff run. But this preseason debut is the first real chance to check the synergy.
Four of last year’s starters are back, but the offensive and defensive schemes will feature some new looks. Watson will help connect Donovan Mitchell and the rest of the roster with one another. It will be Donovan Mitchell who looks to remain both a vocal leader and someone who gets it done by example.
Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen already proved they could play next to each other. Now, in year six together, the question is how they can continue to elevate each other’s games. It is the first chance to play another opponent after the Knicks got the ECF sweep, to turn the page on a new season. It will be refreshing to see the response.
Watching The Rookies
Meleek Thomas is far and away the most important rookie on the squad, drafted in the second round by Cleveland. He scored well in Las Vegas and impressed with maturity on Media Day. This is somebody speaking like he is ready to be in the rotation.
Khalifa Diop was selected in 2022 but will finally make his debut. There is that to look forward to. Two-way rookie Ernest Udeh Jr. is going to have a chance to play NBA-level competition for the first time outside of the Summer League. And of course the other Exhibit-10 signees will be worth getting a peak at.
Kenny Atkinson should have them all ready for preseason game one.
Ready To Roll
October 8 against the Celtics. The Cavs should be ready to roll. Click here for the full preseason schedule.
Sports, News, Entertainment, People, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, Basketball, Preseason, Peyton Watson, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Meleek Thomas, Khalifa Diop, Kenny Atkinson, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets
