“They have a defensive tandem that could be one of the best in the league” - Kendrick Perkins earmarks Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls to be title contenders next season
Former NBA center Kendrick Perkins shared his thoughts on how far the Cleveland Cavaliers could go with their current squad.
During the NBA offseason, not many believed the Cavs would be involved in a blockbuster deal. The Cavs traded away Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji and draft picks to get Mitchell.
The team has a promising young roster comprised of Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley.
At the beginning of September, Cleveland shook the entire league as they took part in a trade that gave them a three-time All-Star in Donovan Mitchell.
In exchange, the Cavaliers gave up Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji, three unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps to the Utah Jazz.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired Donovan Mitchell in a trade, sources tell ESPN.
Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins was a guest on The DNVR Nuggets podcast. He discussed about his former team's prospects in the upcoming season.
"I think they're going to be a title contender this year, not in two years," Perkins said. "They have a defensive tandem that could be one of the best in the league when you think about Evan Mobley and Jarett Allen."
He added:
"So, I'm going with 'Carry the hell on.' Because I don't see it in two, they should be contending right now."
Kendrick Perkins may be right with his take on the Cleveland Cavaliers
Kendrick Perkins' hot take on the Cleveland Cavaliers' future shouldn't be taken lightly. The Cavs have been developing incredible talent since the departure of LeBron James back in 2018.
Last season, the pieces fit together and they finished in the ninth place in the East, qualifying for the play-in tournament.
Although most of the players in the Cavs are a bit inexperienced, they do not lack drive and hunger.
Donovan Mitchell's addition has given the team a legitimate scorer that can also create his own shots. The 2018 Slam Dunk contest champion has the playoff experience that can help the young Cavs squad reach the next level.
Cleveland has struggled to find a go-to guy that they can rely on when nothing's going for them. Last season, Darius Garland was their leading scorer. But with Mitchell's arrival, the young floor general can focus on facilitating for the team and can be a secondary scorer if needed.
Donovan Mitchell will have a chance to lead an inexperienced group and show them what it takes to compete in the postseason.