Before this season started, it seemed that projections for the Cleveland Cavaliers were awfully low. Once writer even thought the Cavs would win just 12 games this season.
You knew that losing LeBron James would make a big difference and the wine and gold were not a title contender anymore, but there was still enough talent to be over the .500 mark and be a playoff contender.
However, now the Cavaliers have lost four in a row, and 10 of their last 13 contests. The biggest problem in that span has been the defense, as the Cavs have allowed over 100 points in each of their last eight defeats, giving up an average of 111.3 points per night in those games.
It goes beyond points as well. Actually, the team ranks 18th in points against at 102.4 per game, but the wine and gold’s defensive field goal percentage shows a much bigger problem. Opponents are making 47.6% of their shots, a mark that ranks fourth worst in the NBA. From beyond the three-point line, the Cavs are allowing a 41.7% rate, second from the bottom in the league.
The current Cavaliers are a small team, and their defensive rotations are slow, which explains the success opponents have in putting up points.
This team has two centers in Anderson Varajao, who is really a power forward, and Ryan Hollins, who has potential but would still have to be classified as a project. And those two are the only guys listed at bigger than 6’9” on the roster. That’s not enough to be a good defensive team, and it also hurts in giving up second shots.
Just last week, the Celtics scored 60, 60! points in the paint against the Cleveland front line.
The backcourt is another area where size is needed. It’s not necessary to go overboard with guard height like former coach Mike Brown, but at this moment the guard rotation is 6’1” Mo Williams, 6’2” Daniel Gibson, 6’3” Ramon Sessions, and 6’6” Anthony Parker, who looks like he has lost a step at 35 years old.
And Parker is probably the best defender of that group.
The other problem for Cleveland is shot selection. They still hoist three point shots at inopportune times, and force other shots not in the flow of the offense.
Also, they haven’t grasped the Princeton offense Byron Scott wants to play. You rarely see a back cut from a player wearing a Cavalier uniform.
So what we have with this edition of the Cavaliers is a team who has poor shot selection and can’t defend in the paint. That’s a recipe for a poor season.
The team has played 20 games now, a quarter of the season. Based on has been seen thus far, this current group isn’t going to win consistently, so it’s time to make changes, primarily ones based on getting younger.
It will be very difficult to trade Antawn Jamison and his hefty contract, but Parker should be moved if only to get a longer look at rookie Manny Harris and perhaps Christian Eyenga.
The next move is a tough one to make, but it’s one that needs to be made if only because of the market value of the player. The team needs to move Varajao, whose talents are better served on a good team, which the Cavs aren’t.
The Brazilian could bring someone who could play in the rotation right away and also a solid prospect. For example, if Memphis would be willing to move guard O. J. Mayo, you could deal Varajao and Parker for Mayo and second year big man Hasheem Thabeet.
It is obvious after the past week that the current Cavs do not have what it takes to win without James. Knowing that means the rebuild should start now. The quicker you start, the quicker you will see results.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 