The Cleveland Cavs players are doing their best, so let’s reward that effort with some mid-year awards and mid-season grades.
The Cleveland Cavs are at the halfway point of the season, and it’s fair to say none of their players are going to be up for any post-season awards. That doesn’t mean the players aren’t playing well or are even bad at their jobs, it’s simply just that kind of season. The season of suck.
With no hope of the team making the playoffs, or winning awards, it could be fun if we looked at the players who are on track to win a team-centric award. On top of that, each player will be graded for their performance and use by the team.
This will obviously be up for debate, as a team not even near .500 right now maybe shouldn’t have an MVP but as everyone’s grandfather once said; it can always be worse.
Cavs Most Valuable Player
– Kevin Love
Kevin Love is the best player on the team still until he gets traded. While his numbers aren’t what the fans want, a lot of that has to do with play-calling and a lack of passing. While he may not be putting up All-Star numbers, a lot of the team’s wins could be accredited to Love’s scoring versatility and rebounding. They already have issues scoring and will have even more if he gets traded.
Runner Up: Tristan Thompson
Cavs Rookie of the Year
– Darius Garland
You might not believe this, but Kevin Porter Jr. really was a candidate. Garland is playing better as of late and has improved his assist output. The lack of which was something he’d been criticized for. He’s been a good addition and could prove to be a really good starter in the future. Porter is also making a case for more playing time, though his three-point game needs work.
Runner Up: Kevin Porter Jr.
Cavs Sixth Man Award (Bench Player)
– Larry Nance
The sixth man could go to a number of people, but for now, it’s looking like Larry Nance might be the team’s most complete bench player. He’s not the dynamic scorer his father was but he’s a good defender, a great shot-blocker and a good scorer in transition. The team needs more consistent scoring from Nance, obviously, but his ability to play defense can’t be ignored. He’s no Ben Wallace but for a guy off the bench, he’s not half bad.
Runner Up: Kevin Porter Jr.
Defensive Player of the Year
– Larry Nance
Nance is back for another award. It’s down to him and Tristan Thompson as to who should get this one, and Thompson has shown to still disappear at times. That’s clearly not a huge problem on a team with this many losses at the midway point, but if he were on a contender he might be exposed a bit more often. Nance is consistent, even if his ceiling isn’t on Thompson’s level this year.
Runner Up: Tristan Thompson
NBA Most Improved Player
– Tristan Thompson
This was again, a two-man race. The reason for him getting this award is simple, he’s never been this consistent. While he does have some issues staying consistent, the fact is he’s never looked this good before. As sad as that sounds. Thompson has done a good job making himself a valuable trade asset.
Runner Up: Collin Sexton
Kevin Love
Kevin Love has shown to be very creative with how he scores. While at times he has attitude issues while playing, he plays like he cares about winning and that’s extremely important.
Grade: B
Collin Sexton
Collin Sexton does not like to share the ball. While he’s efficient enough to score, it’s believed that he’d be best served sharing more.
Grade: B-
Tristan Thompson
Tristan Thompson has shown great improvement this season. Some more work at home may help him be more consistent.
Grade: B-
Cedi Osman
While not producing as well this year as last, Cedi Osman has shown to play well with others. He could be a bit more assertive during games. He’s highly talented but perhaps isn’t being challenged enough. He’s someone who could do for an increased workload.
Grade: C+
Darius Garland
While he’s played better with teammates lately, Darius Garland shows a great desire to learn and improve. More time is needed to develop his skills, but the potential is there.
Grade: C+
Larry Nance
Despite needing to work on his scoring, Larry Nance Jr. is a highly effective player. He’s eager to help his teammates on defense and doesn’t need the spotlight.
Grade: C
Kevin Porter
For a first-year, Kevin Porter has shown great potential. Like some of his teammates, he needs to improve his consistency.
Grade: C
Matthew Dellavedova
Despite being popular, Matthew Dellavedova isn’t being applied properly and may not be allowed to come back next season.
Grade: C-
Dante Exum
In need of improving his three-point shot, Dante Exum has shown to have flashes of brilliance at times but work on consistency is required.
Grade: C-
Brandon Knight
Brandon Knight has shown some flashes of the player he used to be before injuries. Pushing 30 however, there may not be much value in him beyond this year.
Grade: D+
John Henson
Largely forgettable so far this year, John Henson is taking up time that could be dedicated more to developing younger talent. A transfer is in order.
Grade: D
Alonzo McKinnie
Alonzo McKinnie seems to just be treading water this season, never given much of an opportunity to show if he can make a difference.
Grade D-
Ante Zizic
His deal was not picked up for next season, so it looks like the Cavs don’t see Ante Zizic as a long term option.
Grade F
Incomplete – Dyland Windler, Dean Wade and Tyler Cook