Early Impressions Of The Cavs

I don't know about you, but with Daylight Saving Time ending and the futility of the Browns' season causing seasonal depression across northeast Ohio, it's great to have Cavaliers basketball back in our lives! After a long, agonizing summer, during which the sting of the Pacer series and lingering questions still permeate the minds of Cleveland fans on how this Cavs squad will pick up the pieces, the stakes have never been higher. From the Cavs still navigating early-season injuries to key early-season developments and trends, it's nice to break down some NBA hoops with some substance again. Especially in the Cavaliers' quest to level up to actual title contender status at such a critical juncture for the Core Four's window. What is Cleveland doing to achieve that goal? Let's go through the numbers, shall we? 

The Early Returns of Evan Mobley 

Much of the talk of the offseason was about the expanded role of the Big Man as a playmaking hub and safety valve for the guards. So far, there have been some flashes of brilliance along with signs of growing pains. That was to be expected, with a career-high usage rate of 24.8%, Mobley has averaged 20 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, albeit with a dip in efficiency, as evidenced by him only shooting 47% from the floor and 31% from deep. While it has been nice to see his aggressiveness tick up on possessions, there are times when his finishes around the basket are as graceful as a gazelle and others when he's as timid and clumsy as Bambi. He's had to work harder for his buckets, given the absence of Darius Garland and other extra ball handlers, to create more advantages on the floor for himself to be fair. However, you can still see him struggle at times to get comfortable getting to his spots as he's still trying to find his way in the offense. All that being said, we're only 10 games in, and it's all about him getting comfortable. With more reps and more ball handlers to set him up to get downhill more, he should find his niche in the half-court.  

Jaylon Tyson: The Energizer Bunny

If we're talking about bright spots of the first ten games, Jaylon Tyson has made his mark. It wasn't clear what Tyson's role could be in the early going, with so much on the line coming into this season, but you wouldn't have known with how he's playing. The second year forward has taken advantage of the early injuries to the roster to be an impactful role player who never seems to have an off-switch. All while averaging 11.5 points and shooting a blistering 47.5% from three on a healthy 4.5 attempts a game. Tyson, as that great ball of energy, is needed in moments like Saturday against the Chicago Bulls, where he was a sparkling 6/10 from the field, including 4/5 from three-point range. All while providing high-intensity defense that hounded his man the whole 94 feet of the court, and when it counted in the final 5 minutes to help complete the comeback win. If you are a fan with any awareness of the second apron tax penalties when it comes to team building, a player who can contribute at a high level while being on his rookie contract is very beneficial. 

Sam Merrill More Than A Shooter

So much was made about the decision to keep the sharp shooter aboard while letting Ty Jerome leave for Memphis. Yet, Sam Merrill has shown how wise an investment it was to keep him around. Sure, I could boast about his elite movement shooting, with a true shooting percentage of 81% (three of the four players in the top 5 behind him being centers), but I think what I want to highlight is how he's improved in the little things of his game. With 38 million dollars now in his bank account, the expectations are higher for him; he's risen to the occasion as a cutter, utilizing his gravity to get efficient buckets around the rim. His defense has been solid, with a defensive rating of 109.8 while on the floor, including laying his body on the line and drawing charges on multiple occasions. He even shown a new ballhandling wrinkle, turning back the clock to his days at Utah State as a point guard dishing out dimes with his assist percentage now at 16.4% this season, which really helps when you are in the two-man action with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, being more dynamic as the pick-and-roll ball handler. While his calling card will always be what he does from deep, make no mistake, he's more than just a shooter out on the court.