Honestly, if you looked at the Cleveland Cavaliers roster back in October, you probably thought you knew exactly how this story would go. We've seen the "Twin Towers" experiment before. Two bigs, two small guards, and a prayer that the spacing doesn't collapse like a house of cards. But things look different right now in 2026.
This isn't just a group of guys playing basketball; it’s a high-wire balancing act. Kenny Atkinson has this team playing a brand of "fast-paced chaos" that most experts didn't think Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley could handle together. Yet, here we are. The NBA Cleveland Cavaliers roster is currently sitting as one of the most uniquely constructed squads in the Eastern Conference, even if the injury bug is trying its hardest to ruin the vibe.
The Core Four: Survival of the Fittest
It starts and ends with Donovan Mitchell. He’s the engine. Currently, Mitchell is putting up MVP-caliber numbers, averaging around 29.7 points per game. He’s not just scoring, though. He’s the guy who has to decide when to let Darius Garland cook and when to take over.
Speaking of Garland, the narrative around him has been... complicated. He’s dealt with a brutal string of injuries lately. Most recently, a right foot injury against the 76ers on January 14, 2026, sent him to the locker room early. It sucks. When he’s on, he’s one of the best floor generals in the league, averaging nearly 7 assists. But the "can they play together?" questions regarding him and Mitchell have shifted toward "can they stay healthy together?"
Then you have the frontcourt.
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Jarrett Allen is still the most underrated rim protector in the NBA. He’s locked in with that three-year, $91 million extension he signed, which basically makes him a fixture in Cleveland until 2029. Beside him is Evan Mobley, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Mobley has finally started to find his rhythm on the offensive end, too. He’s putting up roughly 18 points and 9 boards, but it’s his passing—averaging over 4 assists this season—that has unlocked Atkinson’s system.
The Bench Mob and New Faces
If you haven't been paying attention, the depth of this NBA Cleveland Cavaliers roster has changed significantly.
- De'Andre Hunter: Acquired from Atlanta, he’s become the 3-and-D wing this team was desperate for. He’s hitting nearly 88% of his free throws and provides that veteran "I've been there" stability.
- Lonzo Ball: Yeah, that Lonzo Ball. He’s in Cleveland now on a deal that includes a club option for the 2026-27 season. He isn't the primary initiator anymore, but his IQ and transition passing have been a godsend for the second unit.
- Jaylon Tyson: The rookie/sophomore standout. He’s been a revelation, shooting a ridiculous 45.8% from deep. He’s essentially replaced the production they used to get from Isaac Okoro, but with a much higher offensive ceiling.
- Larry Nance Jr.: The homecoming! Seeing Nance back in a Cavs jersey feels right. He’s the ultimate "glue guy" who can play the 4 or a small-ball 5.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Spacing
The biggest misconception is that the Cavs are "clogged up" because of Allen and Mobley. In 2026, that’s just not true. Atkinson has Mobley operating as a "point-center" at the top of the key. This allows Jarrett Allen to stay near the dunker spot while Mitchell and Sam Merrill—who is having a career year shooting the lights out—run circles around the perimeter.
Sam Merrill is basically the human torch right now. If you leave him for a second, it’s three points. He’s averaging 16 points a game off the bench, which is wild for a guy who was a deep-bench option just two years ago.
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The 2025-26 Depth Chart Breakdown
Since people always ask, here is how the rotation is actually shaking out under Kenny Atkinson:
The Starters
- PG: Darius Garland (When healthy)
- SG: Donovan Mitchell (The Alpha)
- SF: De'Andre Hunter (The Stopper)
- PF: Evan Mobley (The Unicorn)
- C: Jarrett Allen (The Anchor)
The Primary Rotation
- Guard: Lonzo Ball / Craig Porter Jr.
- Wing: Jaylon Tyson / Sam Merrill / Max Strus
- Big: Larry Nance Jr. / Dean Wade / Thomas Bryant
Craig Porter Jr. is an interesting one. He’s extension-eligible in February 2026, and the front office has a big decision to make there. He’s played well enough to deserve a real contract, but with the Cavs' cap space being tight—they're currently way over the luxury tax—every dollar counts.
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The Elephant in the Room: The Trade Deadline
With the February 2026 deadline approaching, the rumors are swirling. Because the Cavs have been a bit up and down (sitting at 23-19 recently), some people think a "major change" is coming. There’s chatter about teams like the Sacramento Kings or Orlando Magic looking at Garland.
Personally? I think it’s talk. Cleveland knows how hard it is to find talent like this. Moving a 26-year-old All-Star point guard usually doesn't make you better in the short term, and Mitchell is in his prime right now. They want to win today.
Why This Roster Still Matters in the East
The Celtics and Bucks are still there, obviously. But the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers roster has a defensive ceiling that neither of those teams can match when Mobley and Allen are clicking. They are holding opponents to some of the lowest points-in-the-paint totals in the league.
The real test will be the health of the backcourt. If Garland’s toe and foot issues linger, the burden on Mitchell becomes too heavy. We saw that in the loss to Utah recently where Mitchell had to do everything. But when the full squad is available, they've shown they can blow teams out—like that 133-107 thrashing of the Sixers.
Actionable Insights for Cavs Fans
If you're following this team into the 2026 postseason, keep your eye on these three specific things:
- Mobley’s Three-Point Volume: If Evan Mobley keeps taking (and making) at least three triples a game, the spacing issues disappear entirely.
- Jaylon Tyson’s Minutes: He’s outperforming his draft slot. If he starts eating into Max Strus’s or De'Andre Hunter's minutes, it means the youth movement is ahead of schedule.
- The Backup PG Spot: With Garland's injury history, Lonzo Ball and Craig Porter Jr. aren't just luxuries; they are the insurance policy that determines if this season ends in the first round or the Conference Finals.
The talent is there. The coaching is finally modern. Now, they just need to stay on the floor.