It was all good just a week ago… or maybe it wasn’t. Cleveland’s documented power struggle between the coach and the front office has ended and the results will bring a new leader on the court and the potential for new fantasy options to emerge.
(This is not to be confused with Cleveland’s other power struggle: Hue Jackson Vs. Winning Games. That also ended earlier this week with the Browns firing both Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Be sure to check out our sister site Pro Football Rumors for everything that happened at this year’s NFL trade deadline). 
Cavs players were reportedly angry with the decision to fire Tyronn Lue. Kevin Love posted a photo of him and Lue on social media and perhaps coincidentally, on the day after the firing, it was reported that Love could miss up to month with an ailing toe. Cleveland had made a promise to Love that the team would remain competitive this season though it has failed to turn words into actions.
Don’t expect a trade soon, as Love isn’t eligible to be dealt until January. He is a decent bet to be on the block leading up to this season’s trade deadline. Love shouldn’t be dropped in fantasy but if your team begins to struggle, swapping a high-risk, high-reward player in an ever-developing situation for immediate help is likely the right move.
Interim coach “Voice of the team” Larry Drew is coaching this squad in a setting which has been likened to a “substitute teacher” entering the classroom. The kids in Cleveland earned an A grade on Tuesday night, beating the Hawks by 22 points in the team’s first win of the season.
Rodney Hood had arguably his best game as a Cavalier, looking like the player the Cavs thought they were trading for when they acquired him from the Jazz last February. He made nine of his 13 looks on Tuesday and registered three steals. Hood is going to be a major part of the Cavaliers’ rotation and deserves to be in fantasy lineups.
Cedi Osman should be owned in all leagues. He started and scored 20 points and will remain in a prominent role until Love returns. Jordan Clarkson, who had an off night, making just 1-of-5 from downtown, deserves attention as well.
J.R. Smith can be dropped. He didn’t play on Tuesday and has been told he’s out of the rotation, per Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com. Kyle Korver shouldn’t be on rosters right now, as the team is currently shopping the sharpshooter. Depending on the landing spot, he may be worth an add but he won’t exactly be a highly coveted fantasy free agent once that happens beyond owners looking to stream a 3-point specialist.
The situation is Cleveland appears fluid. The team may become more active in looking to trade other vets in the next few weeks. Stay tuned to Keeping Up With The Cavaliers within our Fantasy Hoops series to stay ahead of the competition in fantasy basketball and benefit from the unique state of Cleveland’s affairs.
Fantasy questions? Take to the comment section below or tweet me at @CW_Crouse.
Missed an earlier edition of Fantasy Hoops? Check out the entire series here.
Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
And they thought the drama would be gone when LeBron left. He wears a Browns cap now. Only in Cleveland!
Philadelphia and Boston wanted Korver earlier, but not for a 1st round pick. LeBron is struggling already with the young guys again. Maybe he can tell the Lakers to take Korver for Josh Hart.
Josh Hart seems like a little much but I like Korver on that team. Korver on the Sixers might be my favorite scenario for all parties.
See CBS Sports-“What happens when my patience runs out.” With Hood leaving in free agency, the Cavs could use Hart to pair with Sexton long term. The salaries wouldn’t match. Maybe with Beasley on personal leave, the Cavs could take Beasley and Hart for Korvers and picks.
Simmons hasn’t taken a 3 pointer yet, and Markelle not many. They miss Belinelli and Ilyasova.
Boston has struggled from 3.
Josh Hart seems like a little much but I like Korver on that team. Korver on the Sixers might be my favorite scenario for all parties.
Jarryd Bayless could be traded for matching, along with long combo G Shake Milton & several 2019 2nds. (6ers have ten in the next three years!) That is def a future play for CLE.
It’s a pipe dream at most but I think moving Love and a future first round pick like Paul George or Dame $ would be worth the Cavs kicking the tires at if both teams are struggling around the deadline. Or at least a player of all star caliber. After Mark Price, Brad Daugherty and Larry Nance all left the Cavs, they sold major pieces for Shawn Kemp. We could be seeing something like that this season.
Love’s $30mm contract and his injury limits Love’s value. The Cavs have listened to offers for Love the last couple years, but say he’s not worth what he used to be. Love knew he wouldn’t get the money anywhere else. That’s probably why he stayed.
Oh hands down he isn’t worth now what he was in the past but I’m making the point that he might next more if he’s paired with a pick
This is such a well written post, from the “Hue Jackson vs. winning games” to the crossed out interim coach lol to the actual fantasy advice. Well done
Thank you, I appreciate you reading!
Batless was already offered to the Cavs. The Cavs said they didn’t want Bayless. They a wanted a 1st. They told Boston the same thing.
Well they’re not getting a first for KK, so time for a new plan. The lockerroom probably needs a change, and they may take KK out of the rotation anyway.
The best pairing for Sexton is a long PG who can cover 2s, while Sexton focuses on being aggressive offensively. Not sure if Altman agrees though.