The Cleveland Cavaliers need well-rounded players for a postseason run, and Craig Porter Jr. could fit that role.
As important as the team’s superstars are in the postseason, the role players and depth pieces can sometimes be the difference maker between a deep playoff run and an early exit.
The Cleveland Cavaliers look like they have the depth for one or two players to rise to the occasion during the playoffs this year, and Kenny Atkinson believes one player in particular could make an impact because of his style of play, and that’s Craig Porter Jr.
Cleveland’s head coach sees Porter as potentially having a major impact in the postseason because of how well-rounded a player he is.
“He’s positionless… He's just a basketball player,” said Atkinson following Cleveland’s win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. “He rebounds, assists, he drives it, high IQ, good defender, good steals. He's an old school guy. He's just an all-around, uh, all-around basketball player.”
Apr 6, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. (9) dribbles as Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesIt may be a little surprising to hear Atkinson say this, given how Porter has been used this season, but everything changes in the playoffs, and the blueprint for CPJ's potential impact is there.
Porter hasn’t had a consistent role with the Cavaliers this season, but when he has received opportunities, he’s contributed to winning basketball. Looking at CPJ’s per-36 numbers, they are 9.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 44 percent shooting.
Porter might end up having a big role off the bench for the Cavaliers in the playoffs, because Atkinson believes “those guys that can - they can do all those things - they contribute in the playoffs usually. They fill all the stats in the box score. Good news for us that he's playing well going into the playoffs.”
Porter missed the second half of March with a groin injury, but is on a solid run since getting back in Cleveland’s lineup.
The Cavaliers face a difficult decision about who will be in their playoff rotation, and some of that could come down to which team Cleveland is matched up with in the first round. With how Cleveland’s coach recently talked about Porter, it wouldn't be surprising if Porter gets an opportunity to make an impact in the first round.
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