Kyle Korver, whose Cleveland Cavaliers’ career might be defined by his missed three in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, could be highly effective this season.
Under the control of LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers have thrived over the last couple seasons, making the Finals in the last three straight seasons. They have had that succeeded partially because of the additions of David Griffin. Just like J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert and Channing Frye, Kyle Korver was one of the several key additions to this team that David Griffin traded for, and he is here to stay with the three-year contract he signed this offseason.
During the regular season, Kyle Korver was extremely effective. Korver, throughout his NBA career, has been known as one of the league’s most lethal sharpshooters. Last season, he averaged 2.8 threes per game for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the highest amount per game on the team. He was in Cleveland for 35 games on a deal that many thought Cleveland certainly got the better end of.
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He made the most, shot the fourth most, and had the highest percentage from downtown. His unique skill set is a fantastic asset for LeBron James, who averaged a career-high in assists this past season. With playmaker Derrick Rose joining the team, Korver’s effectiveness on the Cavaliers might be greater than it was last season.
Even if Korver is effective on offense and can help the spacing for the King, his defense could still be an issue. His defensive rating was 114, which is six points higher than the team’s average. Korver is also getting up there in age. At 36, the Machine Gun continues to be effective but only on one side of the court. It won’t be Korver who puts up 30 points a night, but with reduced minutes, Korver’s in-game effectiveness will be something to keep an eye on.
The lineup he is played in will be key in Korver’s effectiveness. When on the court with LeBron James, the Korver-James lineup averaged 40.2 points per game. Their 40.2 points were in 17.6 minutes. Korver needs to be on the court with playmakers, and the Cavaliers have built their lineup full of playmakers which is why Korver will excel this season.
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The Cavaliers will need all their weapons at full strength this season, and Kyle Korver can help this team reach a new level this season.