Now that the Cleveland Cavaliers have formed their own big three of LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, many believe they need to add a big man to protect the paint and they have been tied to the likes of Emeka Okafor, Greg Oden and Timofey Mozgov.
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However, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders isn’t sure the Cavaliers will sign or deal for a rim protector at all.
"Not sure they are going to. There is no such thing as a perfect squad… they have guys up front they like, I think we’ll see what shakes out in training camp."
Tristan Thompson could begin to carve out a new role as a better defensive player and rebounder and help the Cavaliers fill that role.
Center Brendan Haywood could be another internal solution but the Cavaliers will likely look to trade his unguaranteed contract. He did not play in the NBA last season and last suited up for the Charlotte Bobcats (Hornets) in the 2012-2013 season. He played in 61 games, putting up 3.5 point, 4.8 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 43.1% from the field and 45.5% from the free throw line.
Okafor missed the entire 2013-2014 season, but played in every game during 2012-2014 season, averaging 9.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field and 57.1% from the free throw line. He played in 41 games. Oden appeared in 29 games for the Heat. He averaged 2.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.6 blocks per game and shot 55.1% from the field and 56.5% from the free throw line. Last season, Mozgov averaged 9.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 52.3% from the field and 75.4% from the free throw line.
The Cavaliers were also tied to Ekpe Udoh, but inked a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Miami Heat have also been tied to several of the same players and will likely wind up signing one.
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