Cleveland Cavaliers: Have All-Star Level Talent On Their Roster
The 2022 NBA All-Star Game will be held in the glorious city of Cleveland. Fitting, as the Cleveland Cavaliers are the talk of the basketball world. With the home-court advantage of the ASG being at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, the Cavs should have at least one All-Star, right? Wrong. The Cavaliers should have two All-Star’s (and quite possibly a third).
When Koby Altman acquired Jarrett Allen in a 3-team deal last season, the thought was, “just another player who Cleveland won’t sign.” Well, the Cavs did sign Allen, and he’s been, quite possibly, the best big man in the Eastern Conference. You’d be right to second guess yourself on that, seeing as Joel Embiid and Domantas Sabonis (Bam Adebayo before his injury) are around. However, the proof is in the pudding for Allen.
Of all Eastern Conference Centers, Allen ranks 2nd in rebounds with 11.1 per game and 1st in points with 17.3 scored a contest. He’s a dominant defensive force. Allen ranks 5th in +/- behind teammate Evan Mobley (4th) in the entire league. Simply put, if he’s not an All-Star, then who are you putting ahead of him?
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While Allen has been a driving force for the Cavs, Darius Garland has been just as big of a factor. The third-year guard is himself having an All-Star year. He’s taken over as the leader of the Cavaliers with Colin Sexton out for the season. Garland, has been one of the best true point guards in the East.
Outside of Trae Young and James Harden, no Eastern Conference point guard has scored more points than Garland. Outside of Kyle Lowry and the aforementioned Young and Harden, no Eastern Conference point guard has tallied more assists than Garland. As of 10/14, Garland leads all Eastern Conference guards in +/- ranking. Garland also hovers around the top-10 in 3-pointers of all Eastern Conference guards.
Do you see a trend? Darius Garland is fighting with some of the best guards in the Eastern Conference for supremacy. I’d reckon, push comes to shove, he will get a long look from the NBA in being an All-Star. If Harden and Trae manage to secure the fan vote in the backcourt, it’s honestly Garland’s spot to gain. He will have some competition from the Ball brothers, however, Cleveland has been a force. Can’t deny them two All-Stars if they deserve it.
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This brings me to my final argument. It’s unlikely Evan Mobley gets an All-Star bid. However, the rookie has absolutely destroyed the NBA. He’s 4th among Eastern Conference Centers in blocks, 10th in points, 12th in rebounds, 15th in 3-pointers made, and 1st in +/- rating. At the very least, Mobley is worthy of consideration. He’s not going to get in(especially as a rookie), however, a case can be made for him.
This is not your mom’s Cleveland Cavaliers team. With the ASG in the C-Town, you can bet the Cavs will be represented well. At least one player is going to be an All-Star (likely Allen), and it wouldn’t be surprising at all if two made it (Garland, Allen). Regardless, the fact we are even having the conversation of Cavs in the ASG and their name doesn’t start with LeB, that’s remarkable in its own right.
Image Source: Jason Miller/Getty Images
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
