Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 bold predictions for this upcoming season

Bold Prediction #4: Jae Crowder will break into the starting lineup

For the last couple seasons, the Cleveland Cavaliers have used the same starting lineup and seen the same, predictable success. That said, it might be time for them to change it up and the acquisition of Jae Crowder allows them to do that on a permanent basis.

Not only with the Cavaliers find success in a small-ball lineup, but they will want to use it more often with Crowder. He will be able to succeed in his 3-and-D role, and the lineup of Thomas-Smith-Crowder-James-Love will be much more entertaining than their tradition starters, Thomas-Smith-James-Love-Thompson.

The Cavaliers love to shoot. 35.4% of their points came from behind the arc which was second in the league only behind the Rockets. They made 13.0 threes per game which was only behind the Rockets, and they finished second in three point percentage at 38.4%, only behind the Spurs. All that to say, the Cavaliers shoot from behind the arc in volume.

And, Crowder is a fantastic three-point shooter. He made 2.4 threes per game which is actually equal to as many free throws he made per game. He also shot 39.8% on those shots which would add a different dimension to the lethal nature of this lineup.

The bottom line:

If the Cavaliers want to succeed, they will insert Crowder into the starting lineup quickly.