# Cleveland Cavaliers training camp preparations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cleveland-cavaliers-training-camp-preparations
> Updated: 2026-09-28T09:36:18.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have announced a 21-player roster for their upcoming training camp, which includes established players Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, as well as offseason additions Peyton Watson and Mario Hezonja.

As the team prepares for its camp in Spain, head coach Kenny Atkinson has indicated that the starting lineup is not yet finalized. Atkinson noted that approximately 13 players are currently being considered for rotational minutes, creating competition for 10 available spots. Among those being evaluated for the rotation are Watson, who has shown defensive strength and three-point shooting capabilities, as well as Mario Hezonja, Tyrese Proctor, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, and Jaylon Tyson.

Discussions regarding the team’s lineup structure have included potential shifts in the frontcourt involving Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Additionally, analysts are weighing the role of James Harden; while a starting lineup featuring Harden alongside Mitchell, Watson, Mobley, and Allen is a possibility, there is speculation that moving the 37-year-old playmaker to a bench role could allow him to serve as an offensive engine for the second unit and better manage minutes for the team’s ball-dominant players.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: Cleveland Cavaliers coach evaluates rotation depth ahead of training camp

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson is evaluating a deep roster of 13 players for 10 rotation spots as the team considers lineup configurations involving James Harden.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cleveland-cavaliers-coach-evaluates-rotation-depth-ahead-of-training-camp

### 2026-09-25: Cleveland Cavaliers coach says starting lineup is not yet set

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson announced that the team's starting lineup is not yet set, noting he has roughly 13 players capable of earning rotational minutes during training camp.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cleveland-cavaliers-coach-says-starting-lineup-is-not-yet-set

### 2026-09-24: Cleveland Cavaliers announce 21-player training camp roster

The Cleveland Cavaliers have named a 21-player training camp roster, featuring stars Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, ahead of their upcoming preseason trip to Spain.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cleveland-cavaliers-address-roster-depth-with-proctor-and-bryant

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Cite as: Cleveland Cavaliers training camp preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cleveland-cavaliers-training-camp-preparations