PeytonWatson

Preseason question: The Cavaliers have been searching for a fifth man to round out their starting lineup ever since they acquired Donovan Mitchell; is Watson their missing piece? Cleveland has toggled between defenders who can’t shoot and shooters who struggle on defense. Watson may be the answer to their prayers. A bench player for most of his time in Denver, the 24-year-old flashed spurts of actual stardom last season, garnering Player of the Week honors in the Western Conference in January. In Cleveland, as a full-time starter, his defensive responsibilities will rise, and his ability to space the floor will be tested. If his 3-point percentage dips well below the 41.1 percent it rose to last season, the Cavaliers may have an issue playing him beside Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. And if he can’t hang with opposing primary scorers without getting in foul trouble, Kenny Atkinson will have to lean on a bench that’s much thinner than it was last season. But the upside is real, too. Watson proved he could handle the ball a little bit last year, but he’s still best utilized as a spot-up threat who can attack closeouts and take advantage of all the attention James Harden and Mitchell draw.