3. Cleveland Cavaliers
Starters – Kyrie Irving, Iman Shumpert, LeBron James, Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson
Bench – Kay Felder, Jordan McRae, Mike Dunleavy, Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye
So as I write this, J.R. Smith has NOT re-signed with the Cavs, so this is my prediction for the reigning champions.
You’ve probably heard the saying ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. Well, the next best thing the Cavs can do is play I-can’t-guard-my-manbecausemyhairisfloppingallovertheplace Shumpert in place of J.R. Swish and hope for the best.
Kay Felder was bought at a heavy price for a second rounder, but because he is a Jameer Nelson-IT hybrid scoring guard. He should have no issue beating out Mo Williams for the backup spot.
Jordan McRae is a former D-League standout who scored a decent amount of points in garbage time in the postseason this year. If J.R. Smith re-signs, Shumpert will take this spot, but you could do way worse than McRae as your 3rd SG on the roster.
Dunleavy was acquired in a trade for his knockdown 3PT shooting, veteran leadership, and defensive prowess; or the less vocal version of Richard Jefferson.
Richard Jefferson returns after his massive impact in the postseason playing as a stretch 4. Channing Frye returns for a full season of being left wide open for 3 and punishing opposing defenses.
This unit receives such a high rating because LeBron James will most likely be playing with them a lot, and because there’s some reigning champion bias.
Next: No. 2