To open the Cavaliers season this Wednesday in Toronto, Kenny Atkinson had his five majors: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Except that, last Thursday, the former Heat twisted his right ankle in training and his absence is estimated at six weeks. Therefore, things need to be rethought. “We haven’t decided anything yet”, already warns the Cavaliers coach.
However, according to our colleagues at the Plain Dealer, Kenny Atkinson placed Dean Wade in the starting camp during both training sessions on Saturday and Monday. So he would have made his choice? “We love Caris LeVert too”replies the coach. “It doesn’t have to be just those two, it could be someone else.” We have to find and we are looking right now. »
We can also think of Isaac Okoro or Georges Niang, even Sam Merrill. The Cavaliers have enough bench depth to replace the shooter for a few weeks. “We lose one of our best players, it’s hard, but we have a great group. We have players who can do the job”adds Kenny Atkinson.
Do not unbalance the bench
However, each choice will have an influence on the balance of the group.“If we put Dean Wade in, we have to think about what’s next. So, what will our bench look like? » continues the former Warriors assistant, who specifies that putting him in the major five is “withdraw from options” since the latter can also play inside. “We cannot have a super powerful five major and then formations where we would be weak. »
The Caris LeVert solution therefore seems the most logical. The winger is used to providing services, he knows Kenny Atkinson well and he would play in his natural position.
“I texted him the other day to tell him he might start, but also maybe start on the bench. He accepts this role and does it very well for the Cavaliers,” supports the former Nets coach. “He did it very well in Brooklyn. He is the perfect team player. I'm not worried about him. We have to find the right situation for him. He knows how to handle the ball, but what can he do with Garland and Mitchell? Next, which interior will he play best with? All that comes into play. »
Even before his first game with Cleveland, Kenny Atkinson already has a strong and important choice to make.
“From the start, it forces us to adapt. It's not ideal, but that's how the NBA is, right? »puts the coach into perspective. “We can look elsewhere, there are probably six or seven teams who are in the same boat. Sometimes it happens at the beginning, or a quarter of the way through the season. There it is now. »
