Small Forward
Starter: Cedi Osman
Depth: Rodney Hood, Kyle Korver, Sam Dekker
After a summer spent working out with LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard, Osman seems like the most likely starter at the small forward position. So far in his career, Osman has been used as an energy player but the Cavaliers surely hope he can turn into more. The big step Osman will have to take to become more than just a role player is to improve his jumper. Luckily for Cleveland, he did show improvement in that area in Las Vegas this summer. Even without that jumper, Osman is skilled enough as a slasher and passer to at least be a meaningful rotation player in the modern NBA.
Hood will also look to prove himself this season after a rough campaign in 2017-18. While many people expected Hood to take a big step forward for the Jazz after Gordon Hayward’s departure to Boston, he instead found himself traded at the deadline. While in Cleveland, Hood was unable to turn things around and ultimately became a complete non-factor in the playoffs. With James gone and pressure removed in Cleveland, Hood will try to find the skills that once made him a promising scorer for the Jazz.
Dekker probably isn’t actually a small forward in today’s NBA, though if Korver is moved he could end up seeing time there. Like so many of the Cavalier players, Dekker’s ultimate ceiling depends on his ability to shoot the 3-pointer. So far in his career, Dekker has shot just 28 percent from behind the arc, which just doesn’t cut it for someone who checks in at 6-foot-9.