Top 5 Things to Watch for Entering Cleveland Cavaliers Training Camp

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4. How Will the Cavs’ Front Line Depth Shape Up?

Sasha Kaun

Entering training camp, Timofey Mozgov and Love are the projected starters at the front line positions.

The issue isn’t in regards to the starters, but rather the situation on the bench. There is uncertainty surrounding Anderson Varejao’s return from a torn Achilles that forced him to miss the last six months of the season. There is also a huge question mark regarding Kaun and how he can make the international transition from Russia to America.

Perhaps most concerning of all is the continued saga regarding Tristan Thompson. As of this writing, Thompson has yet to be re-signed by Cleveland.

Even if Thompson returns to the Cavaliers over the next few weeks, he will likely return in slightly worse shape than his fellow teammates.

There is no doubt that when Thompson is in the lineup, he makes a huge difference in regards to defense and rebounds.

However, Cleveland can’t possibly expect Thompson to carry the burden of minutes at both the center and power forward positions when Mozgov and Love are on the bench.

The health of Varejao and development of Kaun will go a long way towards the Cavaliers’ ultimate goal of hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2016.

Next: Will Mo Williams Play Major Minutes?


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D.J. Siddiqi is a staff writer for Cavaliers Nation. He has followed the NBA passionately since the 90's and has taken a keen interest in following LeBron James' career since he was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 draft. Once a critic of LeBron, DJ has grown to admire James as he has evolved from 18-year-old phenom to a four-time MVP and two-time NBA Champion. He looks forward to bringing his knowledge of the game to Cavaliers Nation.