Cavs are yet to commit to starting small forward

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 03: Sam Merrill #5 talks with head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Rocket Arena on March 03, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 113-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers haven’t had many opportunities to see how this team looks when it’s at — or even near — full strength. That’s one of the downsides to having a team undergo renovations at the trade deadline. As of now, head coach Kenny Atkinson still doesn’t know who the starting small forward will be in the playoffs.

Right now, the plan is to decide who’s in that spot based on the matchup and how they’re playing. Atkinson was asked if Max Strus was going to be the starting small forward going forward, and said no. “That position is going to be flexible in terms of starting and finishing,” Atkinson said before the Indiana Pacers game on Sunday.

“You have to earn it. ” Atkinson listed five options for who could be in the starting small forward spot: Max Strus, Dean Wade, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, and Keon Ellis. Below is a chart of how those groupings have done with the four permanent starters: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.