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The Cleveland Cavaliers finally made their move of the summer. A multi-team trade that ultimately landed Peyton Watson in the Wine and Gold.
So what’s the big deal?
Watson, on paper, fills the biggest hole this roster has had throughout the decade. A 6’8″ wing with plus athleticism and legit upside on both offense and defense.
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Today, we discuss three reasons why Watson can be the missing piece.
Defensive Versatility
It’s not an exaggeration to say the Cavs were the least athletic team that reached the conference finals last season. The Thunder, Spurs, and Knicks all ran laps around them in that regard. Cleveland wasn’t going to advance any further without addressing this.
Watson immediately steps in as the best athlete on the roster. His long frame and dexterity give Cleveland the versatility they need.
This will be most evident on defense, where Watson’s agility allows him to defend multiple positions and offer resistance to transition attacks. The Cavs ranked 17th in transition defense last season, according to Cleaning the Glass. Watson can bolster this aspect of their defense by being the most capable of getting back on D.
Watson’s speed also allows him to recover and track down shots from behind. He ranked in the 99th percentile as a shot blocker from the forward position last season. Downhill drives will be more difficult than ever for opponents as Watson joins an elite rim-protecting frontcourt with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
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Cleveland will always be vulnerable defensively with James Harden and Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt. But Watson gives them an option to defend the opposing team’s best player. Watson is proficient at defending the point of attack and contesting perimeter shots. This is something the Cavs needed almost more than anything.
You might be thinking to yourself: didn’t Dean Wade provide most of the same defensive skills that I just listed as positives for Watson? And you’d be correct. Wade already filled some of those gaps for Cleveland — and with him gone, Watson is simply trying to replace what is lost without Wade.
That might feel like this is all a lateral…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/3-reasons-peyton-watson-game-110000692.html
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Publish date : 2026-08-25 11:00:00
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