If the Cleveland Cavaliers have one challenge to address after their 44-10 record heading into the All-Star break, it’s managing their deep roster in the playoffs.

Coach Kenny Atkinson has consistently relied on a 10- to 12-man rotation during the regular season, allowing rookie Jaylon Tyson to carve out a role while keeping the team’s stars fresh. Only Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley play more than 30 minutes per game, with Jarrett Allen averaging 28.9.

This balanced approach has fueled Cleveland’s success, enhancing their three-point shooting and maintaining energy levels. The return of Max Strus from injury bolstered the Cavs’ wing depth, while De’Andre Hunter has impressed from beyond the arc.

However, the postseason demands a tighter rotation, raising a key question: Who will be the odd man out?

Benching any Cavalier seems difficult, as even end-of-rotation players like Tyson contribute in short bursts. While the core four benefits from the team’s depth, playoff basketball requires tough decisions. Given Tyson’s inexperience, he’s the most likely to see reduced minutes. Beyond him, two more rotational players appear to be at risk as Cleveland adjusts to the demands of the postseason.

Sam Merrill is too unreliable

Last season, Sam Merrill was a rare bright spot on the perimeter for a Cleveland team that struggled with shooting consistency. He was the only Cavalier to surpass 40% from three and thrived in pin-down actions, making him a dangerous weapon.

However, Merrill is no longer an unknown threat. Opponents have adjusted by applying more pressure on the arc, exposing his lack of athleticism and strength. Without his three-point shot falling, his offensive impact is minimal. While he has improved defensively, staying more disciplined on assignments, he is still likely to be phased out come playoff time.

Coach Kenny Atkinson has utilized Merrill effectively this season, but with Max Strus and De’Andre Hunter commanding wing minutes, his role has diminished. His three-point percentage has dropped to 36.1%, and his limited versatility makes it difficult to justify a significant role in the rotation.

Merrill’s reduced playoff minutes seem inevitable. Strus’ return has absorbed many of his opportunities, and Ty Jerome’s emergence has solidified the backcourt depth. While Merrill could still provide an occasional offensive spark, he is unlikely to be a major factor in Cleveland’s postseason plans.

The Cavaliers don’t need Isaac Okoro enough

Despite a strong mid-season surge, Isaac Okoro may not be the piece Cleveland needs in the playoffs. He has been the Cavaliers’ primary defensive stopper since his rookie year, but with the team’s evolving defensive schemes, his role is less vital than before.

Cleveland’s defensive success stems from a combination of zone and man-to-man coverage, relying on team buy-in rather than individual stoppers. With De’Andre Hunter and Dean Wade likely handling big defensive assignments, Okoro’s presence is less crucial.

To his credit, Okoro has made offensive strides, shooting 39.7% from three this season. However, he attempts just 2.8 threes per game, making him less of a volume threat compared to Cleveland’s other wings. Given the Cavs’ depth, his offensive limitations could outweigh his defensive contributions.

The acquisition of Hunter may have sealed Okoro’s fate. A forward rotation of Hunter, Max Strus, and Wade will likely dominate playoff minutes, while Ty Jerome fills a key backcourt role. Atkinson’s preference for depth means Okoro may see minutes early in the postseason, but as the rotation tightens, his role will likely diminish.

As difficult as it is to phase out players who helped shape Cleveland’s rise, the Cavs must make tough choices to maximize their championship potential.

The New York Knicks won’t have the luxury of a slow restart after All-Star Weekend.

Their final five games of February will present significant challenges, including matchups against the Eastern Conference’s top two teams.

The No. 3-seeded Knicks (36-18) will first face the No. 1-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers (44-10) on Friday after a warm-up against the Chicago Bulls the day before. They’ll then take on the No. 2-seeded Boston Celtics (39-16) on Sunday.

Beyond those tests, the Knicks will meet the Philadelphia 76ers on Feb. 26, a team hindered by injuries but expected to regain key players Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Eric Gordon, and Kyle Lowry. Finally, they’ll close out the month with a Western Conference battle against the No. 2-seeded Memphis Grizzlies (36-18) on Feb. 28.

What a successful stretch will mean for the Knicks

For the Knicks, a successful stretch would mean finishing above .500 and securing wins against at least two of the three title contenders—Cleveland, Boston, and Memphis. New York has yet to defeat the Cavaliers (0-1) or Celtics (0-2) this season but holds a 1-0 series lead over the Grizzlies.

Size will be a key factor in these matchups. Knicks bigs Karl-Anthony Towns, Precious Achiuwa, and OG Anunoby have an opportunity to make a defensive statement against Memphis’ Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey, Cleveland’s towering duo of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, and Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis alongside either Al Horford or Luke Kornet.

Defense will be the primary storyline, but offensive efficiency is just as crucial—especially against a Sixers trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Eric Gordon, all capable of scoring 25+ points on any given night. From a playoff perspective, New York could close the 2.5-game gap between them and the Celtics. Overtaking Boston would secure home-court advantage until at least the Eastern Conference Finals, potentially setting the stage for a deep postseason run.

Ex-Mavericks, Knicks guard set to attempt NBA return

Several former NBA players who took their talents overseas are now eyeing a return to the league. On Tuesday, Lonnie Walker IV officially secured his comeback, signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. Now, it appears that former Mavericks, Knicks, and Nets guard Dennis Smith Jr. is looking to follow suit.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Smith is set to leave Real Madrid and intends to return to the NBA this season. With teams still finalizing their rosters for the stretch run, the 27-year-old sees this as the perfect time to land on a team in need of backcourt toughness.

A ninth-overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Smith’s early promise faded quickly after the Mavericks acquired Luka Dončić in a draft-night trade the following year. Deemed an awkward fit alongside Dončić, he was eventually sent to the Knicks in the deal that landed Dallas Kristaps Porzingis. However, his time in New York was short-lived, as he was later moved to the Pistons in the trade that reunited Derrick Rose with the Knicks.

After brief stints with the Hornets and Trail Blazers, Smith carved out a niche as a defensive specialist with the Nets. Despite this, he went unsigned last offseason, prompting a move to Europe. Now, he’s looking for a fresh NBA opportunity—a chance to reignite his career and find a stable role back in the league.

Which team could use the services of ex-Mavericks/Knicks guard Dennis Smith Jr.?

Any team in need of backcourt depth might find Dennis Smith Jr. an intriguing option. His athleticism and defensive intensity make him a spark plug at the point guard position, capable of injecting energy into a lineup. However, his offensive limitations—particularly his lack of perimeter shooting—remain a concern.

A team like the Knicks could see value in bringing Smith back, while rebuilding squads such as the Nets, Hornets, or Trail Blazers—all former teams of his—might also consider taking a chance on him.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has often been criticized for his reluctance to trust young players, particularly 2021 lottery picks Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.

However, he has recently shown more faith in the Warriors’ young core, providing consistent playing time for Moody and Kuminga while also placing significant trust in rookie Brandin Podziemski from the start of his career.

Kerr has even taken it a step further by not only integrating 52nd overall pick Quinten Post into the rotation but also inserting him into the starting lineup as he looks to add more shooting—especially in the frontcourt, where several key Warriors lack perimeter respect.

Is Steve Kerr resuming his old ways when it comes to Quinten Post?

While Quinten Post had solidified his place in the Warriors’ rotation, his role has shifted in the final games before the All-Star break.

One might have expected Draymond Green’s return to create more opportunities for Post, given Green’s lack of floor spacing, but instead, it has pushed Steve Kerr back toward small-ball lineups.

Between January 31 and February 8, Post averaged 10.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 50% from the field and 40.9% from deep in over 19 minutes per game.

However, in the three games leading into the break, he made just one start and saw his playing time drop to 11.4 minutes per game.

Despite still averaging 6.0 points on 44.4% 3-point shooting in that span, Kerr appeared to prioritize a more switchable defense and added versatility on the floor. While Post has worked to improve defensively, it remains a perceived weakness, limiting his minutes.

Many fans have expressed frustration over his reduced role, especially given his much-needed floor spacing for a Warriors team craving more shooting. The question now is whether Post will reclaim his starting role or if Kerr will stick to his tendency of deploying young players on a situational basis.

Warriors Forward Kevon Looney Proposes to His Girlfriend, Fitness Model Mariah Simone

Kevon Looney is officially engaged!

Following Valentine’s Day weekend, the 29-year-old Golden State Warriors star announced that he recently proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Mariah Simone.

“❤️💍 To Our Love, Always And Forever 💍❤️,” the NBA player captioned a joint Instagram carousel with the fitness influencer on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

The nine-photo upload showed off the couple’s romantic proposal, which appeared to be on a white sand beach with white roses and white candles leading the way to a neon sign that read, “Will you marry me?”

In the cover image, Simone beamed as Looney got down on one knee and presented her with a ring.

The soon-to-be newlyweds coordinated in elegant black formal attire.

After Simone said yes, she received an extravagant bouquet of flowers to celebrate the moment. The couple shared a kiss and posed for several photos to mark their engagement.

The final shot in the social media post showcased the stunning, oversized diamond on Simone’s ring finger.

“Happy Valentines Day to my Love @msfit.official CEO , runway model @mariahsmone ❤️💘💌 Keep pursuing your goals and setting the standard💰👸🏽,” the NBA star proudly said of his then-soon-to-be bride last week.

Looney and Simone consistently celebrate each other’s achievements in the public eye.

“Happy 29th Birthday my love, my best friend 🤍,” Simone began in the caption to her heartfelt post.

“Every single day I’m beyond grateful for your beautiful soul and the love you bring into my life,” she continued. “Here’s to another blessed year filled with even more love, laughter, joy, and unforgettable adventures!”

Simone concluded, “I love you @Looney ♾️❤️🎂.”