The Cleveland Cavaliers are two games and five days away from the start of the 2016 NBA Playoffs. With the postseason upon us, head coach Tyronn Lue has let it be known that he has decided on the Cavs starting lineup.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson will take over the starting center position from here on out, and Timofey Mozgov will be relegated to a reserve role.
“I just wanted to,” Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said of his decision before Monday night’s game against Atlanta.
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Thompson has averaged 7.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 0.8 assists while shooting 59.2% from the field, but his effectiveness comes on the offensive glass, where he reels in 3.3 offensive boards per game. Thompson will likely play heavy minutes in the postseason, and Thompson’s per 36 numbers are impressive at 10.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, and an assist, including 4.3 offensive rebounds per game.
This move means that Timofey Mozgov’s already diminished role will stay that way, but he is still the Cavs best rim-protector, which is likely why the team kept him past the trade deadline. Things can change in a hurry in the postseason, and Mozgov may be called upon for his abilities.