King James Gospel
Fansided

Raw Talent or Locker Room Leaders? The Cleveland Cavaliers Need Both.

By Eliana Brown

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 8: Cleveland Cavaliers during the national anthem before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 8, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 8: Cleveland Cavaliers during the national anthem before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 8, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – MAY 27: James Jones
TORONTO, ON – MAY 27: James Jones /

The Impact of James Jones

During his final season in the NBA, James Jones averaged just 2.8 points per game and typically only saw time during the last few minutes of blowout wins. Yet, if you asked anyone in the Cavaliers organization that played or worked alongside of him, you knew immediately the type of impact he made on team culture.

Dubbed as LeBron’s “favorite player ever,” Jones was a consistent role model for teammates on and off the court. He had a veteran influence that was unmatched and he knew the necessary qualities of a championship team. His voice became a reliable source of motivation in the locker room, once telling players that “If we want to be a great team, we have to do things a different way” (Cleveland.com) .

As the oldest roster in the league, the Cavs have their fair share of veteran players. But what they lack is a player who is capable of mitigating conflict and representing the heart and soul of the team.

Of course, LeBron is the leader, but he is also is a superstar that won’t fully commit to the Cavs for the long-term. Kyle Korver is respected for his quiet work ethic but has never been relied upon as a team leader. Dwayne Wade has the potential to be an influencer inside the locker room but he is still working to fully understand his role off the bench.

Jones may have carried a quiet demeanor, but it seems like without a viable replacement, the noise just gets louder in Cleveland.