Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA Trade Rumors: 3 moves that could jumpstart the Cavs’ rebuild

By Colin Cann

CLEVELAND - OCTOBER 27: Majority owner Dan Gilbert of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks to the media prior to playing the Boston Celtics in the Cavaliers 2010 home opner at Quicken Loans Arena on October 27, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND - OCTOBER 27: Majority owner Dan Gilbert of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks to the media prior to playing the Boston Celtics in the Cavaliers 2010 home opner at Quicken Loans Arena on October 27, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 08: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 08: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

The Case for competing

The Eastern Conference may be the weakest it has ever been in league history. Last seasons 1st seeded Toronto Raptors couldn’t manage to win a single game over LeBron and the depleted Cleveland Cavaliers. Outside of Boston and Philadelphia, there may not be a single truly competitive team in the entire conference.

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The Washington Wizards, like the Raptors, have been treading water in recent years and have little room to improve. The playoffs would be well within reach for Cleveland. The second round isn’t completely out of the question either. Even though that certainly seems like the ceiling for this squad, anything is possible.

Maybe this entire team has a chip on their shoulders after years of being an afterthought, just LeBron’s supporting cast.

Last season, Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com wrote:

"some Cavaliers players “have grumbled that James has slowed the ball movement, holding on to the ball until he sees an ‘assist’ pass, rather than moving it quickly.”"

It is very likely that these guys are dying for a chance to prove they are more than just role players. They’ll get their chance now that LeBron’s looming shadow has moved out west.

Without the added spotlight and pressure of helping James win another title, this team could come together and show the league what they are made of. George Hill had a horrible season for the Kings/Cavs after having a career year for Utah, averaging 17 points per game on over 40 percent shooting from downtown. With their primary ball handler now gone Hill could shine once again.

Kevin Love will revert to being a go-to scorer and No. 1 option. He won’t just be expected to stand at the arc and space the floor for LeBron like he has in recent years, which causes his value as a rebounder and post player to plummet. Remember, this is a guy who averaged 12.5 rebounds before joining forces with the King, including a league-leading 15.2 in 2010-11.

Until Dwight Howard joined the club last year he was the only player in the last 36 years to post a 30-30 game. Throw Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nace Jr. into the mix and this is a capable team. The Cavaliers just need to make a decision on whether simply making the playoffs is worth it to sacrifice their protected pick next season.

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