4 ways losing LeBron James impacts the Cleveland Cavaliers

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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 21: Collin Sexton poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted eighth overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

4. Try to win

The Cavs should try to win some games next season, and not go into full tank mode.

The organization has some intriguing pieces, counting Larry Nance Jr. and rookie Collin Sexton, in addition to Love.

Restricted free agent Rodney Hood could also return. He was forgettable in the playoff last season, but he was a former first-round pick. With the Cavs’ being in the player development business now, it would make sense to try to get something out of the small forward.

Developing Hood isn’t about winning championships, it’s about maximizing his trade value. The Cavs need to set themselves for bigger moves down the road and Hood could be turn into a nice chip to play if the Cavaliers can get something out of him.

Plus, Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith are under contract. Altman was unsuccessful trading them before, I doubt they’d have value all of a sudden.

And we’re talking to the Eastern Conference, here. Boston and Philly will be the favorites to go to the NBA Finals, but that alone shouldn’t revert the Cavaliers back to what they were when James left the first time.

Next: All-time starting 5 from the LeBron-less era

Additionally, the Cavs don’t have their first-round pick next season unless it falls into the top 10. By making the playoffs, the Cavs conclude their business with the Hawks and the organization can finally take some true steps forward to winning their next Larry O’Brien Trophy following the 2019-2020 season.

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