Why The Center Position Is So Important For The Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers rely on their big men on both offense and defense.

The Cleveland Cavaliers aren't following NBA trends of running small ball offenses who can get up and down the floor and play at a fast pace. They start a true center in Jarrett Allen and a power forward (who could be a center) in Evan Mobley.

J.B. Bickerstaff was asked following Thursday night's preseason loss to the Orlando Magic how Damian Jones has been able to acclimated with the team. Cleveland's head coach answered that question while also shedding light on the importance of the center position.

"The responsibilities of that position, you know it's immense. We count so much on our fours and fives - both sides of the ball to protect and be in the right spot. Defensively, how we use our fives to protect the paint, you know isn't NBA typical."

Both of Cleveland's starting big men had a massive impact on the game last season. Allen nearly averaged a double-double and was one of the most efficient shooters in the game. Mobley was secretly an offense threat and fit beautifully into the team's pick-n'-roll game plan.

This duo was also an important piece to the Cavs having the best defensive rating (110.6) in the NBA. They were both in the top three in individual defensive ratings last season with Mobley making his first All-NBA defensive team. 

Even with Cleveland relying a lot on their centers, it still feels like there is a lack of frontcourt depth on the roster. This has been exposed even more with Allen's current injury that could keep him sidelined for still another week.

Mar 26, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) dunks during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports / © Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The front office did bring in Jones, Tristan Thompson, and Georges Niang to help with this issue but how much of an impact Jones and Thompson will have is yet to be seen. 

I agree with Bickerstaff, the big men are an integral part of Cleveland's scheme and goals on the floor. But will this plan have to change if the frontcourt depth continues to be a problem?