The Cleveland Cavaliers have loaded up their roster this offseason with a number of top-notch offensive players, starting off with LeBron James and Kevin Love. But for them to have a shot at the championship in June, the Cavs need to have a stud protecting the rim for them.
After signing a great perimeter defender in veteran Shawn Marion, the Cavaliers are still in the hunt for a shot blocker to complete their team make-up for next season's campaign.
James' decision to re-join the Cavaliers and bring the first ever title for the franchise has piqued the interest of several elite players to join forces with the four-time NBA MVP - including Love who forced his way out of the Minnesota Timberwolves thanks to a blockbuster trade two weeks ago.
After four straight seasons of misery, the Cavs suddenly boast arguably the most dynamic trio in the league with James, Love and another stellar guard in Kyrie Irving. However, several analysts still believed the Cavs still lack some punch on the defensive end of the court.
When healthy, projected starting center Anderson Verajao is very much capable of providing double digit numbers as a scorer and rebounder. The problem is the Brazilian big man hasn't been healthy for quite some time and he's not even considered prototypical center that can bang up with bigger bodies and block shots consistently.
The Cavs have acquired veteran center Brendan Haywood to back up Verajao, but the team's executives are still looking for a way to bring another big body capable of protecting the rim. The name of veteran center Emeka Okafor is rumored as a potential free-agent target while Russian stalwart Timofey Moszgov is also mention as another option via trade.
ESPN insider Kevin Pelton admitted the Cavs are indeed in need of size, and a burly player like Mozgov would certainly fill the void. However, he stressed that it's unlikely the Denver Nuggets will part ways with Mozgov given his solid showing last season.
"I still haven't seen someone explain why the Nuggets would do that trade. So until then, no.. I don't think they're in any hurry to get rid of Mozgov," Pelton stated.
Then again, Pelton said he would not be surprised to see the Nuggets trade high-leaping center JaVale McGee for the expiring contract of Haywood.
"If the Cavaliers and Nuggets make a trade, my money is on JaVale McGee for Brendan Haywood's instant expiring next summer," Pelton added.
McGee, who averaged 8.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in six seasons, is coming off a lengthy rehab after fracturing his leg. For Pelton, McGee could be an answer for the Cavs because of the seven-footer's ability to alter shots and incredible upside.
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