Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 keys to a successful 2017-18 season

BOSTON, MA - MAY 25: Isaiah Thomas
BOSTON, MA - MAY 25: Isaiah Thomas
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HOUSTON, TX – MARCH 12:Iman Shumpert #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes between James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets and Patrick Beverley #2 at Toyota Center on March 12, 2017 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – MARCH 12:Iman Shumpert #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes between James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets and Patrick Beverley #2 at Toyota Center on March 12, 2017 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

3. Ball Movement

Now that Kyrie Irving is gone, the old way of running offense in Cleveland isn’t going to work.

The Cavaliers offensive system was nicknamed “The Two Crown System” by NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Kobe describes this system as having two primary playmaker’s (Kyrie Irving and LeBron James) that conduct the entire offense. The team relies solely on these two players to make plays for themselves and set up the rest of the team as well.

The problem with this system is simple, it often makes the rest of the team feel left out. One major thing Kobe pointed out about the Cavs offense, is the fact that capable role players are reduced to being spot-up shooters.

Having a shooter sit in the corner and wait 20 minutes for the ball is not a good way to run an offense. These shooters are valuable to the team. Whether they are actually shooting the ball or just being used as a distraction to set up another player, the Cavs need to take advantage of their talent.

This could also explain why the Cavs defense has been so poor at times. Players lose their rhythm during the game when they aren’t involved in the offense. Why should a player be engaged on defense if they aren’t touching the ball on the other end?

The Cavs will see huge benefits to both offense and defense if they can share the ball more. When the ball is moving and everyone is involved, the game opens itself up.