A total collapse in Cleveland is almost unthinkable, especially with LeBron James putting up MVP numbers, but the three-time defending Eastern Conference champions are coming off a nightmarish week.
It began with a 28-point loss in Minnesota, followed by a 34-point loss in Toronto. Last night, an early 26-6 lead turned into a 97-95 loss at Indiana. Those games wrapped up a 1-4 road trip for a Cavs team that is now a distant third to the Celtics and Raptors in the race for the best record in the East.
The problems in Cleveland start with defense. The Cavaliers are the second-worst team in the league in points allowed per 100 possessions (109.5), and the roster doesn’t contain many outstanding individual defenders. There’s no rim protection with Kevin Love starting at center, and opponents are taking advantage.
With less than four weeks to go before the trade deadline, Cleveland has to be considering deals to bolster its defense. Rumors have linked the Cavs to Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, but he may not be available now that L.A. is back in the playoff race. The Clippers reportedly want the Nets’ unprotected first-rounder in return, and the Cavaliers are reluctant to part with it.
The core of this Cleveland team has been through mid-season swoons before and has always rebounded in time for the postseason. It’s possible that things will get better on their own, but the Cavs have another tough stretch ahead with the Warriors, Thunder and Spurs coming up in the next 10 days. Cleveland’s lead over the ninth-place Sixers has shrunk to four games in the loss column, and a sense of urgency seems to be developing in the organization.
“We all got to be accountable for our actions, accountable for how well we play, how we play, how hard we play, and what we do for one another,” James said after the blowout in Toronto. “And there were just some plays that you should come up with, that you should make, and when you’re losing, you tend to not wanna make those plays, or tend to let some plays get away from you. And we can’t afford that right now the way we’re playing ball. So just trying to hold everybody accountable and move on, which we did.”
We want to get your input. What moves do the Cavaliers need to make before the deadline to keep their spot as the East’s best team? Jump into the comments section below and give us your feedback.
Everyone is talking about Jordan to Cleveland but maybe they could get Dwight Howard. He wouldn’t cost as much in terms of assets and he offers similar skills. He’s actually been pretty good for Charlotte. Maybe do Frye and Thompson for Dwight.
Dwight would cost considerably much less, and Charlotte is looking to shed salary. Would save 6 or so next year.
Dwight costs so much more!! He’s a whiner who loses wherever he goes. That is very costly!!
I’ve been watching Dwight all year(I live in Charlotte) the dude doesn’t whine any more than LeBron does
Haven’t heard that name come up for them and I actually like it better than them getting Jordan.
Thanks Thronson5
This is a great idea. I feel like that would be perfect for Cleveland. Props to you, great idea
Thanks Bairllps
They need to get JR Smith going. He looks like he is on Saturn
I don’t see them turning it up in the postseason like they have in the past… I just don’t see it right now with this roster currently put together. They need to do something at the deadline.
A rim protector has been the problem for years. If Cavs can’t get Jordan, package TT, the Nets pick & Shump or JR or both & go all in for Boogie. Or try for Marc Gasol. Don’t think Dwight is the answer.
I only say Dwight because he wouldn’t cost nearly as much as Boogie or Gasol or Jordan
Cavs don’t NEED anything, they built this team to beat the Warriors so their gonna struggle against various teams that have a different playstyle. Acquiring a more adept defensive center could be helpful, but it’s a unit built for the postseason and once they get there, guys reach a new intensity and defense always picks up, the two major issues right now.
I’d like to believe that, but this time around I’m not sure they get the opportunity to play in the finals. While the talking heads, for the most part, have been galvanized into thinking the east has somehow gotten weaker I give you the Celtics and the complete dominance of the Raptors over the Cavs. Then there are the dark horses… pleas don’t laugh but if the pacers are able to make a killer trade, they are a difficult win for the cavs now and if they add that one player, cavs won’t get by then in an early round.
The Cavs need a shotblocker AND a defensive guard. I have been naming potential names all year but I hope the FO is NOT aiming for D.Jordan. The answer is elsewhere.
They probably won’t get out of the EC as constituted.
Don’t we go through this every year?
Hilarious dude! Yeah you’re 100 percent correct
Was just about to say the same thing
You said earlier you thought the Cavs should start Kyle Korver. I think it’s time. I think they should start Calderon again, and play IT limited minutes until he’s ready.
The Cavs problem with trades is J.R. Smith, Tristan, Thompson, Iman Shumpert, and Channing Frye are way overpaid and nobody wants them. I agree with your needs. The ones I think “they might actually be able to get” are Evan Fournier of the Magic and dwayne dedmon of the Hawks. It’s early, but I don’t think J.R. and IT can play together. I think J.R. needs to go.
I can’t understand why Hassan Whiteside hasn’t been mentioned as a strong target. He’s the best rim protector that could become available. He doesn’t score enough for the Heat as their premiere players, but that isn’t relevant with the Cavs.
Sending Thompson, Frye, and Shumpert should help to boost MIA’s production, as well as balance the money owed to Whiteside.