The Cavaliers' Big Man Conundrum: A Tale of Overlooking the Obvious
There’s an old saying that sometimes the most obvious solutions are the hardest to see. In the case of the Cleveland Cavaliers, this rings truer than ever. The team’s postseason journey has been a rollercoaster, but one thing has become crystal clear: Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley are the keys to their success. Yet, for some reason, the coaching staff seems to forget this—repeatedly. It’s a head-scratching oversight that raises more questions than answers.
The Dinner Table Revelation: A Symptom of a Bigger Issue
Let’s start with the dinner between Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and head coach Kenny Atkinson. It’s during this meal that Gilbert reportedly emphasized Allen’s importance as the team’s spark. Personally, I think this is less of a revelation and more of a glaring oversight. What makes this particularly fascinating is that the evidence was already there, plain as day. Game 7 against the Toronto Raptors was a blueprint—Allen’s physicality and assertiveness were the driving force behind the win. Yet, it took a dinner conversation for the coaching staff to fully grasp this? That’s not just surprising; it’s concerning.
In my opinion, this speaks to a deeper issue: the tendency to default to star-driven basketball. Donovan Mitchell is an incredible talent, but when the offense revolves solely around him, it becomes predictable and one-dimensional. What many people don’t realize is that Mitchell thrives when he’s a facilitator, not a hero. When he’s distributing the ball, it opens up opportunities for Allen and Mobley, who are too often relegated to afterthoughts.
The Pattern of Forgetting: A Costly Mistake
The series against Detroit was a perfect example of this pattern. In Game 1, Allen played just 18 minutes, and the Cavaliers lost. It’s baffling to me that the coaching staff didn’t immediately double down on what worked in Game 7 against Toronto. Instead, they reverted to Mitchell-centric basketball, and the offense suffered. This raises a deeper question: Why is it so hard for teams to stick to a winning formula?
From my perspective, it’s a combination of ego and a lack of trust in the system. Coaches often feel the need to outthink themselves, especially in high-pressure situations. But if you take a step back and think about it, the Cavaliers’ success has been most evident when Allen and Mobley are involved. Their offensive gifts are undeniable, and when they’re true options, the offense becomes dynamic and hard to guard.
The Game 7 Blueprint: A Glimmer of Hope
Game 7 against Detroit was a turning point—again. Allen and Mobley were front and center, and the result was a blowout win. Mitchell played the role of distributor, and the offense flowed with a coherence we rarely saw in the earlier games. A detail that I find especially interesting is how quickly the team can shift when they commit to this approach. It’s not just about winning; it’s about the margin of victory. When the Cavaliers play this way, they’re not just good—they’re dominant.
What this really suggests is that the Cavaliers have the tools to compete with anyone. But the question remains: Will they stick to the plan? As they head into the series against the New York Knicks, the margin for error is razor-thin. Reverting to Mitchell-first basketball would be a luxury they can’t afford.
The Broader Implications: A Lesson for the NBA
This situation isn’t unique to the Cavaliers. Across the league, teams often overlook the value of their big men in favor of guard-driven offenses. But as the Cavaliers have shown, balance is key. Allen and Mobley aren’t just role players; they’re game-changers. What makes this particularly fascinating is how their involvement elevates the entire team. It’s not just about their stats—it’s about the rhythm and logic they bring to the offense.
If you take a step back and think about it, this is a lesson in adaptability. The Cavaliers have the blueprint for success, but they need to trust it. In my opinion, this postseason could be a defining moment for the franchise. If they can consistently lean on Allen and Mobley, they’re not just contenders—they’re a force to be reckoned with.
Final Thoughts: Trust the Process, Trust the Bigs
As the Cavaliers move forward, the path is clear. Allen and Mobley need to be at the forefront of the offense, with Mitchell as the engine that makes it all work. Personally, I think this is their best—and perhaps only—chance to make a deep playoff run. The Knicks series will be a test of their commitment to this approach.
One thing that immediately stands out is how avoidable their struggles have been. The answers were always there; they just needed to look. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most obvious solutions are the ones we overlook. For the Cavaliers, the time to see clearly is now. Anything less would be a missed opportunity—and that’s something no dinner conversation can fix.
