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Cleveland Cavaliers: Why the Cavs have a chance to make the playoffs in 2018-19

By Martin Burnyeat

Cleveland Cavaliers J.R. Smith Kevin Love (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers J.R. Smith Kevin Love (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JULY 3: Workers remove the Nike LeBron James banner from the Sherwin-Williams building near Quicken Loans Arena on July 3, 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JULY 3: Workers remove the Nike LeBron James banner from the Sherwin-Williams building near Quicken Loans Arena on July 3, 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Use LeBron’s departure as motivation

While LeBron’s physical presence has impacted the Cavaliers, there is also the mental impact that affects the team. Losing their leader in every way, the team has no clear successor and no motivation to compete for wins. Although Kevin Love is now considered the franchise piece, there is no substitute for Lebron’s leadership. It’s now up to Ty Lue to create a catalyst to compete for wins in the coming seasons.

Early predictions have Cleveland in the lottery, clearly devaluing the remaining members on the roster as well as the coaching staff. In a league where team focus and morale are just as important as the physical talent, succumbing to journalists and critics is the difference in making the playoffs or not.

[via Boston Globe]

"“Of course I would love to have LeBron James, but now that he’s gone it’s going to be a new challenge. I think me and my coaching staff, we’re up for it. It’s going to be different, a lot of young guys that we can try to teach and mold them how you want them to be.” – Ty Lue"

Coach Lue must establish a collective vision for next season centred around proving the doubters wrong and setting a mental challenge in exceeding expectations and reaching the playoffs again. A vision where Cleveland remains competitive despite losing its once-in-a-generation player.

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