Cavaliers: The Biggest Test To Get Back To The NBA Finals Is?
By Ryan Rosko
Jun 4, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Kyrie Irving(2) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard
Leandro Barbosa(19) during the second quarter in game one of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Health, Health, And More Health
Joe Russo
The biggest challenge for the Cavaliers getting back to the NBA Finals is health. Say what you will about Kyrie’s injury, but losing Kevin Love hurt more. It’s no secret that I am not a Tristan Thompson fan, but a fully healthy roster may not have a need for Thompson.
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With a front court starting with Love and Mozgov, then Anderson Varejao, and even Sasha Kaun off the bench, Thompson’s role as strictly a rebounder may not be needed. Remember, that the best defensive units on the floor last season included Mozgov and Love, not Thompson.
Additionally, it’s okay to admit out loud that Kyrie Irving is injury prone, and maybe borderline overrated. Yes, he is an All Star caliber player…when healthy. That has always been an issue for Irving. After playing 75 and 71 games his first two seasons, that number has dropped to 59 and 51 games in years three and four.
Sometimes the best skill a player has is availability. The Cavs can stay afloat with Mo Williams running the point, but another season of heavy minutes for Matthew Dellavedova will make me cringe. Shumpert’s return in three to four months will boost the backcourt. As along as Father Time doesn’t come knocking too hard for Richard Jefferson (who could actually start!) and James Jones, the best midseason addition will simply be a healthy roster.
Next: LBJ's Minutes and Love's Involvement In The Offense