Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 bold predictions for this upcoming season

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CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 09: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors attempts a shot defended by Richard Jefferson #24 and Deron Williams #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 9, 2017, in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Bold Prediction #2: The Cleveland Cavaliers have a top 10 defense

The Cleveland Cavaliers had one notable hole in their team last season, and it was their defense. This is one of the most pivotal aspects of the game of basketball. The greatest shooters often times are weakened by a solid defense. Too bad the Cleveland Cavaliers had one of the league’s most inefficient defenses last season.

During the 2016-2017 season, the Cavaliers had the 22nd worst defensive rating at 108.0. Because of their poor defense, the Cavaliers ended last season with the league’s eighth best net rating. Along those lines, they were 22nd in defensive rebounding percentage. The Cavs couldn’t defend, but it was partially caused because they couldn’t rebound either. Both of those must change.

The addition of Jae Crowder and Ante Zizic will help both those areas. They are the reason that this team becomes a much better defensive team this season. Crowder has made his living from being the best of the 3-and-D-type players in the NBA.

The bottom line:

If LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, who will get extra rest between games, defend every game, they will be a top 10 defense in the NBA.