No Love Lost
Yeah, I know. It’s corny. Can you blame a guy?
The Cavs are pretty much set to make another deep postseason run, presumably to at least the ECF if not the Finals. While their roster is definitely top-3 in the league, I think their ring-chasing mentality has really hurt them for the future…. and they may need to make a big trade to keep LeBron happy long-term.
While LeBron’s comments about adding a playmaker has led to speculation if the Cavs are going to bring back Lebron-ites in Mario Chalmers or Norris Cole, who said anything about the playmaker coming in the form of a guard?
Before you all click to the comments section, hear me out.
Love has been in trade rumors for a good portion of his time spent in the Land, despite being an integral part of the Cavs’ title run(s). He’s currently playing some of the best basketball of his career, averaging 20.0 PPG on a 42.9/38.4/87.6 line. He is feasting on the open looks that LeBron and Kyrie driving create, and it’s fun to watch… but…..
Love holds a career 2.4 APG average, and is only averaging 1.9 APG this year. While he isn’t asked to run the offense in Cleveland, you would think he would average more than 2 assists a game on a stacked roster. That’s why Griffin is the better fit for Cleveland, short and long-term.
Griffin holds career averages of 21.5 PPG, 9.5 TRPG, and 4.1 APG. He can take it coast-to-coast, post you up, has a heck of a midrange and hit the 3. Granted, he’s only shooting 28.1% from 3 this year and holds a career average of 27.3% from distance, but I think that number would go up playing with the King and Kyrie.
Now Griffin only has two years left on his contract opposed to Love’s 4, but Cleveland’s upper management has shown they will pay whatever it takes to keep LeBron in Cleveland. I’m sure LeBron could convince Griffin to stay.
Doc and Co. could lose Paul, Redick, and Griffin in the next few offseasons and have their roster gutted. While retaining Griffin should be a top priority, I think they should be looking to sell high on Griffin’s play this year and pick up someone that will have to be around long-term to remain competitive in a cutthroat Western Conference.