NBA: Central Division Offseason Grades And Analysis

Cleveland Cavaliers

World Champions!!! In dynamic (with a little bit of help) fashion. After trailing in the series 3-1 and facing what looked to be an inevitable Finals defeat, the NBA gods shined light through the rain with an impetuous suspension of all-star F Draymond Green.

With momentum reversed and a seed of opportunity for the underdogs, the Cavs capitalized and took the series after winning three games in a row…Now I’m just hating but honestly, King James and Co. were brilliant and they down right bogarted the trophy. Kyrie Irving was absolutely superb and I’m excited to see how he utilizes his offseason (outside of Team USA) and approaches the game next year.

King James was nothing short of his title. He ruled the court on both ends; showing he does, in fact, still occupy the much-heralded NBA throne.

Returning those two superstars returns the team for the most part, lol. It seems that way at times but that would greatly undermine contributions from bruiser Tristan Thompson, stretch four Kevin Love, J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert when they feel like it, everyone’s favorite pest Matt Dellavedova and Richard Jefferson when randomly called upon.

That would also neglect head coach Ty Lue of his due credit after phenomenally leading the Cavs to an unthinkable come from behind championship victory in his rookie tenure.

: Previously trading most of their future picks to get better immediately; one must say the moves were wise since they did accomplish the ultimate goal. However, building through the draft is a vital piece of team building, placing even more importance on the selections they retain. Possessing one lone pick in the draft, the Cavs selected Detroit’s very own Kay Felder at pick number 54.

While the 5-foot-9ish guard was taken at the tail end of the draft, I actually think the third-team All American will make a roster. I’m not sure its Cleveland’s roster though.

The new ‘Kings of the Hill’ return with their core intact for the most part. However, they did lose backup point Matthew Dellavedova to Milwaukee. While I like Felder, he’s definitely not in the position to assume any duties just yet. Mo Williams will have to burden much more than the 14 games he started in place of an injured Kyrie Irving last year, which could be cause for concern.

In free agency, the money-strapped Cavs could not do too much, solely adding ‘Birdman’ Chris Andersen. At this point, he is a serviceable big to have on the bench. They also landed Mike Dunleavy in a ‘salary cap-dumping’ trade with the Bulls. He adds smart veteran play to the group while reinforcing shooting…and not much else. They lost center Timofey Mozgov to the Rodeo Drive-like riches of LA but that essentially clears cap AND bench space after he ended the season out of the rotation.

After not really adding weapons this offseason, I think the only room for useful improvement lies in Kevin Love. He has the potential and track record of being a real force and the Cavs will need exactly that to repeat as champs in a stronger overall NBA. They did not really get better; I cannot say they got worse. However, the saying goes, ‘if you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse.’

Off-Season Grade: A+  (LeBron Didn’t Leave)

Key Additions: Mike Dunleavy, Chris Andersen

Key Losses: Matthew Dellavedova, Timofey Mozgov

2016-17 Season Prediction: Another Cake Walk To The Finals, Ending In A Loss

X-Factor: Kevin Love!!!

Next: Detroit Pistons