Cleveland Cavaliers: One blatant weakness for every Cavalier

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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 17: Jae Crowder #99 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates a three point basket against the Boston Celtics on October 17, 2017 at Quicken Loans Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Jae Crowder: Weakness– Playmaking

When the Cavaliers shipped Kyrie Irving, they strategically picked who they received in return, and Jae Crowder was an excellent selection. He is one of the most influential players on the court when in the game. Defensively and offensively, Crowder is able to alter the game in an array of ways.

His playmaking, however, needs to improve. At least 76% of all Crowder’s buckets are assisted on, unlike the Cavaliers’ superstar LeBron James who has never had over 50% of his field goals assisted on. The difference there just shows how much more dependent Crowder is on good ball movement. James creates shots, while Crowder benefits off those that create shots.

It’s not a weakness per se, but Crowder needs to be able to be a go-to option for this Cavaliers team that needs to fill the scoring void that Kyrie Irving’s exodus created. His shot-making and defense have given him a starting spot, but if he can take a defender off the dribble, this starting unit might unlock a new dimension.

Crowder made 2.2 threes per game in his final season with the Celtics, and over 50% of his shots were catch-and-shoots. It will be crucial to learn to dominate with the ball in his hands if he wants to increase his value on this championship-caliber team.