With the regular season just six days away, Cleveland still has real decisions to settle before opening night. The Cavs’ rotation is not fully locked in, and there are a few spots where the competition is still active - especially behind Evan Mobley and Peyton Watson, and in the backup point guard mix.
That leaves a few players likely to be squeezed out when Cleveland meets Philly on Oct. 22 in LeBron James’ new home.
Tyrese Proctor looks like the cleanest example. He has done the work, and by all accounts has been solid since arriving and through the summer.
The shot has shown up, and he has held his own on both ends in his minutes. Even so, the path in front of him is crowded.
Craig Porter Jr. brings playmaking and athletic defense, while Meleek Thomas has offered scoring punch and active hands on the defensive end.
That backup point guard battle has been ongoing, and with Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson also in the mix, there simply isn’t room for everyone. Proctor should get his turn later in the season. Just not to start it.
The same kind of squeeze exists in the frontcourt, where Mario Hezonja, Thomas Bryant, and Nae’Qwan Tomlin are competing for two rotation spots. At least one of them will be left out.
Hezonja has looked like someone who belongs on the floor immediately, with offensive skill and enough versatility to keep him in the conversation. Bryant also made a strong case in preseason, hitting extra threes and rebounding well.
Tomlin was set back by back soreness that kept him out of preseason, and that matters here. The other two are healthier and more in rhythm, which gives them the early edge. Kenny Atkinson has said he’d go 10-deep to open the year, which means only two of the three can crack the rotation.
Tomlin’s energy stands out, even if the jumper still needs work. If that part comes along, there should still be minutes waiting for him during the 2026-27 season. The question is whether he becomes an every-night option at some point.
Khalifa Diop is also not projected to play much this season. The 2022 second-round pick was signed because he fit financially and because the Cavs want to develop him in-house. Injuries could alter that outlook, but right now the expectation is limited playing time.
In the backcourt, the narrowest call may be between Porter and Thomas. Both have been exactly what the team needed in their minutes. If experience tips the scales, Porter may be the one out there against the Sixers, with Thomas likely to get chances to show what he can do during his rookie year - just not immediately.
Projected starters: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Peyton Watson, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen.
Projected reserves: Craig Porter Jr., Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Mario Hezonja, Thomas Bryant.
Kenny Atkinson still has the final say. But with opening night close, this is how the picture looks right now.
In Other News...
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Among the notable moves is the arrival of Galen Davies, who has taken on a major leadership role on the Cavaliers business side after leaving Portland, where he had been chief revenue officer. For Cleveland, it is the kind of hire that can strengthen the organization behind the scenes, even if the circumstances around it speak to the broader uncertainty surrounding the Blazers ownership change and the cost-cutting ripple effects still being felt there. [Read more 🡒]
Jarrett Allen Trade Buzz Puts Clevelands Title Priorities In Focus
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Interest in Allen has been real enough to keep the phone lines busy, but the Cavaliers have drawn a clear line: they would only move him if the return clearly boosts their title chances. For now, there have been plenty of inquiries, yet no formal offer to push the discussion past the curiosity stage, which says as much about Clevelands priorities as it does about Allens value around the league. [Read more 🡒]
Cavaliers Preseason Left One Rotation Battle Looking Much Different
The Cavaliers 2026-27 preseason ended without a winning record, but the more meaningful takeaway for the regular season may be how one rotation competition shifted over the last few weeks. Cleveland spent the exhibition slate sorting through roles, and newcomer Mario Hezonja emerged as one of the clearer winners by showing he could help in more than one way while the team looked for reliable depth around its core.
The backup point guard spot, meanwhile, never really produced the separation the Cavaliers were hoping for. Tyrese Proctor got chances to make his case, but his offense never found much rhythm and the overall production left the door open for Cleveland to keep looking as the games start to count. [Read more 🡒]