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5 Ways Tyronn Lue Has Improved The Cleveland Cavaliers

By Quenton S. Albertie

Jun 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue reacts in the first half in game five of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue reacts in the first half in game five of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard DeAndre Liggins (14) at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard DeAndre Liggins (14) at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Adapting On-The-Fly

At various points this season, Lue has had to change his plans about how he wanted to play to suit the available players he had. For instance, when Smith went down with a knee injury against the Toronto Raptors, Lue opted to start Liggins rather than Dunleavy Jr., who struggled to make much of an impact in his previous start. Liggins had a tremendous performance that gave Lue a reason to put him into the rotation as a defensive-minded guard who can shoot efficiently, even if he is reluctant to shoot.

Cleveland Cavaliers: DeAndre Liggins Wins Game Ball In Toronto

When Smith went down again, this time with a broken thumb, Liggins started again as Tyronn Lue sought to keep Shumpert in the second unit so that the Cavs rotation remained consistent even in the absence of Smith. Dunleavy could have earned another start; he’s a proven veteran. However, Liggins earned the start because Lue liked the defensive turnaround the team was having with Liggins starting against the opposing teams point guard. A move that allows Irving to focus on developing his offensive playmaking first and gives him more energy to attack as well.

There was likely a plan for what to do with Smith out for an extended period of time because of his contract holdout over the summer. Yet, the Cavs likely didn’t expect to have to go to Plan B when the team had already established a rhythm. While Shumpert started at shooting guard in the preseason while Smith was out, he was performing so well with the Cavs second unit that Lue kept the rotation at its status quo.

Lue didn’t expect point guard Mo Williams to “retire” either. In a situation that Williams could be filming for reality TV with all the drama he’s caused, Lue has used a committee approach to the backup point guard position. With James and Irving occasionally commandeering the second unit and Felder, McRae, Shumpert and Liggins having played point guard for the Cavs as well, the Cavs have won 87.4 percent of their games.