4 changes the Cavs should consider making to jumpstart their starting lineup

Starting Jae Crowder in place of Tristan Thompson, again

This one is simple. Starting Jae Crowder in place of Tristan Thompson gives the Cleveland Cavaliers the starting lineup many assumed they would have on opening night as J.R. Smith is starting at shooting guard instead of Dwyane Wade.

Let’s start with how it improves their defense.

With this lineup, the Cavs have three versatile wings who excel as on-ball and off-ball defenders. With enough time to work on their on-court chemistry, the defense they can provide will help them wreak havoc and get out in transition, where Crowder, Derrick Rose and LeBron James can make plays.

Placing Kevin Love back at center makes him have to do more work on the defensive end. However, the athletic and versatile defenders the Cavs have on the wings and at the forward positions will be able to make plays on the weakside to help compensate for Love’s issues as an interior defender.

As for Rose, who has his issues containing perimeter penetration from time to time, with so many athletic and versatile defenders in the starting lineup he can be hid onto the least dangerous perimeter player if need be. The same holds true for Isaiah Thomas in this lineup when he returns.

On offense, playing Love at center gives them their best chance for success; with Love, Crowder and Smith, the Cavs have three catch-and-shoot players for Rose and James to kick out to. Three players that give Rose and James space to attack the rim. The best of both worlds from a floor balance standpoint.

Starting lineup: Derrick Rose, J.R. Smith, LeBron James, Jae Crowder, Kevin Love