The Cleveland Cavaliers are finally starting to resemble their former selves, and it’s not just wishful thinking—it’s a matter of getting their pieces back on the chessboard. After weeks of cobbling together lineups out of sheer necessity, the Cavs are slowly but surely regaining their footing. But here’s where it gets controversial: is it the return of the big names or the unsung heroes that’s truly turning the tide? Let’s dive in.
Just days ago, the Cavs were scraping by with a mere 10 players, even calling up Luke Travers from the G League Showcase in Orlando just to fill a spot. But as they prepare to face the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, the roster is starting to look more like a basketball team and less like a survival squad. Donovan Mitchell, Craig Porter Jr., and Sam Merrill are all back in action after battling illness and injury. That leaves only Evan Mobley, Larry Nance Jr., and Max Strus on the injury report—a far cry from the makeshift lineups that have defined much of their season.
And this is the part most people miss: while Mitchell’s return grabs headlines, it’s Sam Merrill—the 29-year-old sharpshooter—who might be the most impactful addition. Since injuring his right hand on November 17 against Milwaukee, the Cavs have sorely missed his ability to stretch defenses and keep the offense humming. Head Coach Kenny Atkinson puts it bluntly: ‘It’s the shooting, but it’s the gravity that goes with it. More room to drive, more space for our stars.’ Merrill’s off-ball movement and defensive tenacity have been glaringly absent, and his return couldn’t come at a better time.
Merrill’s value isn’t just in his scoring. His constant cutting and relocation force defenses to communicate, something the Cavs’ stagnant offense has desperately needed. Even on the defensive end, he’s a vocal, anticipatory player who rarely finds himself out of position. For a team that’s been preaching accountability and cleaning up breakdowns, Merrill is the connective tissue that’s been missing.
But here’s a thought-provoking question: Are we underestimating the structural importance of Craig Porter Jr.? While his return might not grab the spotlight, his ability to attack the paint and create opportunities is exactly what the Cavs need to break out of their perimeter-heavy funk. Too many possessions have ended in contested jumpers, and Porter’s downhill pressure could be the key to unlocking a more dynamic offense.
Then there’s Donovan Mitchell, whose return reshapes the floor instantly. But his comeback comes with an intriguing twist: Darius Garland just dropped 35 points against Chicago, proving he can carry the offense in Mitchell’s absence. How Atkinson balances Garland’s momentum with Mitchell’s return will be a fascinating subplot to watch.
Here’s the bottom line: health restores optionality. Instead of survival mode, the Cavs can now experiment, refine roles, and play to their strengths. Atkinson admits, ‘The healthier we get, the better we’re going to be.’ While Mobley, Nance, and Strus are still sidelined, the Cavs are inching toward something they haven’t felt in weeks: stability.
It’s not a magic fix, but it’s a starting point. For a team that’s spent December patching holes, just getting healthy feels like progress. But what do you think? Is Merrill the unsung hero, or is Mitchell’s return the real game-changer? Let’s hear your take in the comments!
