Factory Of Sadness
FanSided

Cleveland Cavaliers: Don’t dismiss the unexpected this offseason

By Ryan Rosko

TORONTO, ON - MAY 27: Head coach Tyronn Lue talks to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half against the Toronto Raptors in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 27, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 27: Head coach Tyronn Lue talks to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half against the Toronto Raptors in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 27, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Assumed changes made by the Cleveland Cavaliers is all that they are right now but anything is possible.

For good reasons, the Cleveland Cavaliers will have to make some key decisions that will impact the team’s future this offseason. Depending on what LeBron James decides to do and how Cleveland responds will also be important.

Given that LBJ’s future won’t be known publicly by the draft, every option should be considered before and after they are on the clock.

With how Cleveland’s 2017-18 season is playing out, it is hard to imagine them surpassing the Boston Celtics and the winner of the western conference finals. In large part that is due to how Tyronn Lue‘s coaching has gone.

More from Factory of Sadness

Even if somehow Cleveland were to make it to the finals and maybe even win it, how does Lue keep his job?

Unfortunately, it does not seem like it is Cleveland’s year to get back to the finals. With that in mind, there are a few scenarios that could happen.

The first is James returns and Lue is fired. In an ideal world, this hypothetical is one most probably prefers. There are a few issues, however, with this.

What is James’ contract and how does that impact the flexibility of what Cleveland can do with their roster? Can they move salary for other pieces?

Also, just because Lue is gone does not mean the replacement will be better. For example, if Larry Drew got the job, that does not mean his 8-1 record earlier this season means championship success in the future.

The second scenario is that James leaves but Lue remains in Cleveland. The roster is not competitive enough to win it all and James leaves for a TBD team that was in the playoffs this year. He understandably would be in pursuit of another ring.

Meanwhile, Cleveland relies on the duo of Kevin Love and the eighth pick, while being coached by Lue. Thanks but no thanks. It may become reality though and if it does, Cleveland will have a hard time seeing a bright future.

The third and last scenario is James returning along with Lue. Yes, Lue remains the head coach despite poor lineup management, playing time miscues, and the inability to put Cleveland in a position to succeed more often than not.

It would only be a matter of time before Lue is on the hot seat again. James is back but without proper coaching and lineup execution, it will be one on five again next season.

Next: 3 potential replacements for Ty Lue

The Lue part is certainly not preferred and it would be unexpected to see him return. However, since Lue has been the coach for a significant amount of their current run, owner Dan Gilbert could keep him in his role. Thus, leading people to remember to keep in mind the unexpected this offseason.

Home/Cleveland Cavaliers