3 things we hope to see from the Cavs in 2021.
The Cavs are off to a pleasantly surprising 3-1, start, but it’s a pace even the most die-hard enthusiast would admit will be hard to keep up.
Cavs fans are just happy to see their team compete, as Cleveland entered the 2020-2021 season having not played a game since March, when the pandemic shut everything down.
Cleveland was part of the “Delete Eight,” not invited to the summer Orlando bubble, and was only allowed to host an extended summer practice session in August.
There was some reason for excitement entering the season, as J.B. Bickerstaff had the Cavs playing at a level John Beilein just couldn’t attain. Plus, the Cavs added Andre Drummond in a trade, but could only use for eight games before the season was put on pause.
Drummond looked promising, tough, and the Cavs picked up his $28 million option. Smart, considering there was zero chance they’d get any kind of free agent with value to play in Cleveland.
Plus, they added a draft pick in Isaac Okoro. Are they interesting sure? Will they maintain their winning ways? Probably not…unless…
As we say goodbye to 2020, let’s look at three things we’re looking to see from the Cavs in 2021.
1. Isaac Okoro as a scoring threat
Imagine if Isaac Okoro’s offensive game was more regarded heading into the NBA Draft? He plays a premier position (SF), has the size (6-foot-6) and has already been given high marks for his defensive ability.
Okoro was a handful of rookies to score double-digits in his NBA debut (11 points), but on the downside, he played 42 minutes against the Pistons and dropped a goose egg.
Even though he didn’t cash in a bucket, he still played defense, coming up with a huge stop near the end of regulation in what turned out to be a double-overtime win.
Okoro doesn’t need to dominate the ball with Darius Garland and Collin Sexton in the backcourt.
If he can prove to be a threat as an off-the-ball scorer and score 15-17 points per night–which he certainly has the potential to do– he may go down as a better pick than LaMelo Ball, who was taken No. 3 by the Hornets.
2. The backcourt clicks
Prior to this season’s tipoff, there was plenty of time to debate where the Cavs’ roster is at, especially with guards Collin Sexton and Darius Garland as the focal points.
Sexton was the eighth pick in 2018, while Garland went fifth in 2019. Sexton has proven he can score, but there are some who still believe his future is as a sixth man. Garland had a forgettable rookie campaign, as questions lingered as to whether the ACL he tore in college was fully healed to the point where the Vanderbilt product was playing at 100 percent.
Plus, the Cavs were dealing with duplicating skills, as both players are small guards who need the ball in their hands.
That’s not to say this backcourt can’t work, but it needs to click. It looked good in the first three games of the year, with Sexton averaging 27 points and Garland 18.5, however, both players couldn’t hit Lake Erie standing on the Mather during Cleveland first loss against New York Dec. 29.
The duo also needs to be better at facilitating the offense. It’s early but Garland is seventh in the NBA with 7.8 assists per game. He averaged 3.9 assists as a rookie.
Cavs fans really, really need to root for this one to work. If Sexton and Garland figure it out, you can go ahead and hit the gas on the rebuild. If not, go ahead and wait for one to be traded while looking forward to the next draft.
3. Recoup something of value for Love
Kevin Love will always be remembered fondly in Cleveland, but it’s time to move on from the 2016 NBA champ. Obviously, easier said than done, as Love is currently hurt, carries a massive contract and is 32 years old.
There’s a case to start Larry Nance Jr. at the No. 4 spot, because unlike Love, the offense doesn’t have to move him. Plus, he’s probably a better defender than Love, which is something this young team really needs.
The obvious hope in a Love trade is to acquire a player or draft pick that can help the Cavaliers accelerate their rebuild. Unfortunately, Cleveland may not be able to bet what they want, as rumors of Love’s trade value tanking aren’t new.
The veteran has three years and $90 million left on his contract. Considering Love’s age and injury history, potential landing spots probably don’t want to be bogged down by his massive salary.
There’ still hope he can moved, though because he still fits in today’s NBA. He can stretch floor and grab defensive rebounds.
4.Porter figures it out
He may be the most talented draft pick the Cavs have made in the most recent post LeBron era, and he hasn’t logged a minute in four games this season.
However, after a stellar rookie campaign, Porter was arrested in November on marijuana and weapons charges, which his attorney said have been dropped.
Porter made news early on when he returned to practice, however, that was the beginning of training camp.
The Cavs have stayed silent on Porter’s whereabouts. It’s unfortunate he can’t dress, because with Isaac Okoro banged up with a foot injury, Porter is needed.
Porter is a part of the nucleus of this team, and every time he doesn’t play, the rebuild suffers. Perhaps his absence is warranted. If it is, the Cavs need to say why.