The Cavs Can’t Afford To Not Be Aggressive
With the Cleveland Cavaliers down two rotation players, they can’t afford to not be aggressive as the stretch run of the season begins
Don’t you just hate that injury bug? As LeBron James said, “it sucks”.
Considering that the Cleveland Cavaliers were already trying to survive without J.R. Smith, who isn’t expected back until late March, at the earliest, losing Kevin Love for the foreseeable future isn’t great.
Even though the Cavs have flirted with the idea of trading for Carmelo Anthony, reportedly, the chances of Cleveland actually acquiring the perennial All-Star remain slim.
Still, it might be their best choice of action.
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We all know Anthony’s playmaking can help anybody; he’s a dominant 25 points per game scorer for a reason. However, the biggest problem in this hypothetical trade would be Anthony’s failure to fulfill Cleveland’s need on defense.
Moreover, Anthony’s offensive philosophies brings the tendency to hold the ball which by theory ruins offensive flow. Then, there’s his huge contract.
Who would Cleveland concede besides Kevin Love? (I’ll wait while you think about that.)
On top of their need to add to their artillery, the Cleveland Cavaliers need to prioritize rest of regular season, meaningless wins right now. Specifically, Cleveland needs to limit LeBron’s minutes. LeBron is logging nearly 38 per night, tied for the most in the NBA.
I know LeBron has said otherwise, but 38 minutes per night in February makes absolutely no sense for a team built for the playoffs/Finals. January and February should be generally cruising time for any LeBron-led club.
Momentarily, Cleveland signed Derrick Williams, who is averaging 9.8 points on an absurd 60 percent shooting in four games with the team, to a 10-day contract. Impressed in his limited time, LeBron is already lobbying for him to remain with the team.
"[via Sporting News]“He’s 25 years old. It doesn’t seem like it because we’ve been hearing his name for so long. But he’s 25. He hasn’t even gotten to his potential, to his prime yet, so hopefully this group, this locker room, myself, my leadership helps him”"
Despite the Williams addition, guard depth is still an area of need for the Cavs. After holding a workout for free agents Lance Stephenson, Kirk Hinrich and Mario Chalmers, no signings were made to address the need.
Now, after the Love injury, the Cleveland Cavaliers have to get even more aggressive.
David Griffin should target players that accommodate Cleveland’s needs. A few that make sense: Deron Williams, a proven playmaker who would allow LeBron and Kyrie Irving to take minutes reductions; P.J. Tucker, who has the ability to play the two or three and assume the role as a solid backup for LeBron and Love; or even Lou Williams, who has been spectacular for the Lakers this season (averaging 18 points in only 25 minutes per game).
The bottom line is, Cleveland must get better and LeBron knows this.
You could say that LeBron “doesn’t like to compete” or that “he’s just crying” but let’s remember that his primary competition is a historic Golden State team, who just signed Kevin Durant in the offseason.
In the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors just acquired Serge Ibaka (from the Orlando Magic) who will finally fill the team’s gaping hold at the power forward position. He’ll bring the Raptors some much-needed rim-protection and three-point shooting.
Even though Boston is lacking another big, their depth in the backcourt really is insane – not to mention that Isaiah Thomas is playing like an NBA MVP.
As for the Washington Wizards, well their last encounter with the Cavs showcased what many are calling the best game of the year. The emergence of John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter Jr could spell a Eastern Conference Finals matchup with King James.
Must Read: 13 Western Conference Trades That Need To Happen Before The Deadline
At the end of the day, the Cleveland Cavaliers are still the overwhelming favorites to win the East. Having LeBron James is an advantage that can be matched by no other team. However, this season, “having LeBron” might not be enough in a much-better East.
Making a move at the Trade Deadline might be crucial for the Cavs, especially if they want to repeat as World Champions.