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

By Quenton S. Albertie

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 17: LeBron James
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 17: LeBron James /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 20: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers participates in warmups at halftime during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center on October 20, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 20: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers participates in warmups at halftime during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center on October 20, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Starting Jae Crowder in place of J.R. Smith

Having touched on this in a previous piece, the best way to look at Jae Crowder is as a consistent version of J.R. Smith. There are differences in their offensive games, with Smith being a legendary gunslinger and Crowder known to make quite a few plays off of cuts. However, they both play the same three-and-D role that’s en vogue. Crowder is a more consistent shooter (right now) and a more consistent defender, whether talking about on-ball or off-ball.

That’s what the Cleveland Cavaliers need more than anything right now. Consistency.

A consistent starting lineup would definitely help. So would consistent outside shooting to open up the floor for Derrick Rose and LeBron James to attack the rim.

Smith’s play isn’t the biggest issue the Cleveland Cavaliers are having right now and for a player who was concerned with the spacing issues that could arise with Rose and Dwyane Wade starting in the backcourt, it’s baffling that he’s decided to try to make so many off-the-dribble so far this season rather than just shoot the simple spot-up attempt. His dribble-drives haven’t just consistently come up empty but they can throw the offense out of whack, which impacts the transition defense.

Let Smith make enough questionable plays and the Cavs are digging themselves in a hole; starting Smith and having him make those questionable plays contributes to the Cavs’ slow starts. Crowder would simply make the simple basketball play and, make or miss, that helps establish rhythm on the offensive end.