Cleveland Cavaliers: If you haven’t already thanked the Boston Celtics do so
By Ryan Rosko
What a difference a season makes for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This past offseason everyone knew it was just a matter of when point guard Kyrie Irving was going to be dealt by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Yes, Cleveland could have gone in other directions but they took a deal from the Boston Celtics.
It is safe to say initially the short-term expectations failed in large because of point guard Isaiah Thomas. In addition to IT, the Cavs acquired F Jae Crowder, C Ante Zizic, and the Brooklyn Nets’ pick.
Boston made a home run deal in hopes of becoming the best eastern conference team and then some. Pairing Irving with G/F Gordon Hayward, and PF/C Al Horford painted a picture many Boston fans liked.
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By adding Irving, Boston envisioned themselves as the best bet to take over the east while simultaneously watching the Cavaliers start to break down.
Thus, clearing the way for F LeBron James to leave.
James could still leave NE Ohio but the moves his team made prior to the deadline showed that they want him to remain with them. (Who wouldn’t)?
While Thomas was never a fit in Cleveland, it is not the end of the world. It is no secret that the Cavs were not playing like the team everyone was used too but at least changes were made.
Thomas was dealt in a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers that included Cleveland’s own first rounder, but that was only the start.
There’s no doubt that Cleveland got more athletic and younger but what may be even more important is that the Nets’ lottery-bound pick is kept in Ohio.
With that in mind, the new look Cavs would not be created without Boston.
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Without moving Irving, Cleveland would not have landed PF Larry Nance Jr., G Jordan Clarkson, G George Hill, G Rodney Hood, or be able to keep the Nets’ pick.
An under the radar fact very few even mentioned post-trade deadline is that this is the second time Cleveland has dealt Crowder.
The first time was on draft night when he was a Cavaliers’ pick but then his rights were sent to the Dallas Mavericks. While it would not be professional for Cleveland to publicly say anything, it’s hard to imagine them not being appreciative of what Boston did this past offseason.
The Celtics will continue to be a very good team. However, assuming James stays, combined with that roster, and a top prospect in the draft, it doesn’t look good for anyone to surpass the Cavaliers!
Next: Nets' pick is getting better by the day
In unique ways, sometimes teams can win their trades even when it is clear from the start it’s one-sided. Cleveland is in a great position with the help of Boston’s decisions. Therefore, if you haven’t already, thank Boston because now the Cavs’ long-term outlook looks even better!