2 Cavaliers in danger of falling out of the rotation in the playoffs..
If the Cleveland Cavaliers have any single issue to resolve after a 44-10 record ahead of the All-Star break, it is finding a way to manage a deep roster in the playoffs.
Throughout the regular season, coach Kenny Atkinson has been unafraid to trust his bench, going 10-12 deep on a seemingly nightly basis. This has opened up opportunities for rookie Jaylon Tyson to find his niche and for the stars to rest and avoid serious injuries. Only Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley record more than 30 minutes per night, with Jarrett Allen only averaging 28.9 each game.
This balanced approach has been a key ingredient in Cleveland’s success. Their reliable three-point shooting comes from the confidence each player plays with and Atkinson’s ability to keep guys fresh. Once Max Strus rejoined the rotation after an early injury, the Cavs’ wing depth and shooting only got better. De’Andre Hunter has shown his prowess from deep in his early performances.
All of this leads to one question: Who is the odd man out during the postseason
Imagining any Cavalier getting a DNP feels unsettling. Even the end-of-rotation players like Tyson can make an impact in three- or five-minute stretches. The core four is elevated by this depth, but the playoffs are another beast. Atkinson will be forced to make painful cuts. Considering Tyson’s lack of experience, he will almost certainly be the first player to miss time. Otherwise, though, the Cavs have a hard task ahead.
Looking at individual performances, team needs and matchups, Cleveland’s rotation will probably change every series. However, two rotational Cavaliers stand out as the most likely to be on the chopping block after Tyson.
Sam Merrill is too unreliable
Last season, sharpshooter Sam Merrill was one of the few bright spots on the perimeter for a team who could never find a consistent range. He was the only Cavalier to eclipse 40 percent from downtown, and he seemed unstoppable coming off a pin down action.
Unfortunately, Cleveland’s secret weapon is now expected. Teams have pressured Merrill more heavily on the arc, and his lack of athletic burst and strength make his offensive game fairly one-dimensional. Once Money Merrill loses his shot from three, he is not going to make much impact offensively. To his credit, he has been a better defender and stayed on his assignment more, but he is still likely to be replaced come the postseason.
Atkinson has maximized Merrill this year, but with Strus and Hunter on the wing, he will not have much of a role to fill. This year, Merrill’s shooting has dipped to 36.1 percent, and he is not enough of an all-around player to rely on him. The Cavs have too many better options.
Merrill’s exit from the rotation may be expected. It is easy to assume Strus’ return would absorb many of his minutes, and Ty Jerome’s surprise season leaves the backcourt rotation filled, too. Merrill will still probably see the court when the Cavs need a quick offensive boost, but he will not be a significant piece of the puzzle.
