Why the Cavs need a backup forward more than anything

The Cavaliers should look to bolster the frontcourt before the deadline.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been poking around the trade market, with wings being their main focus.

Cam Johnson and De’Andre Hunter have been the most rumored targets for Cleveland, with their interest in Hunter reportedly being “significant” and the organization has done extensive homework on him.

It’s not surprising seeing the Cavs exploring all avenues to add a wing, given that their main weakness has been at that spot and has reared its ugly head in almost all of their losses this season. However, Cleveland would be wiser to look for a versatile backup power forward and their most recent loss to the Boston Celtics shows that.

One constant for the Cavs over the last two seasons has been this: too much Georges Niang. While his shot-making and floor spacing is a positive, his poor defense does not make up for that.

Three of the Cavs’ four worst defensive lineups that have played over 100 possessions this season feature Niang. His lack of footspeed makes him an easy target on switches and when Cleveland is in rotation, he is easy to attack off of a closeout and it usually leads to an open shot attempt, as we saw against Boston on Tuesday.

Yes, Niang only saw extended minutes against the Celtics because of the absence of Dean Wade. Wade has yet to play against Boston this season and dating back to last year’s playoff series, he has only played in three of the last eight matchups.

Wade’s impact cannot be understated, as Cleveland is 66-23 over the last two seasons when he is playing. His unique blend of versatility as a shooter and defender allows him to play the three and the four.

Having another backup forward that can take away some of Niang’s minutes would be beneficial for the Cavs’ title chances. Cleveland has more than enough shooting and they need more defensive stoppers. They have been rumored to target Ben Simmons if he gets bought out by the Brooklyn Nets and he could fit as a good cutter, screener, and versatile defender.

Yes, the Cavs need wings, there is no denying that. It can’t be ignored though that acquiring another power forward would arguably help them more and give them additional insurance if Wade were to get hurt again. Either way, President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman cannot stand pat at the deadline with this glaring weakness on the roster.