What is the best starting lineup for the Cleveland Cavaliers?
Who should the Cleveland Cavaliers’ starters be?
Perhaps the biggest question mark for the Cleveland Cavaliers right now is what the starting lineup should look like. There are so many smart, instinctual players on the roster that finding lineups that work together isn’t the issue.
It’s finding what lineups are best.
There are differences of opinion regarding this issue and, furthermore, questions on of the starting lineup of a game matters less than the crunchtime lineups.
Some would say no. In my opinion, starting a game off with a lineup that isn’t your best is dangerous. However, substitution patterns matter and you want your best lineups going toe to toe with the competition’s creme de la creme.
Ultimately, the question becomes one that’s difficult to answer.
Nonetheless, here is my opinion on what the starting lineup should be:
Before Kevin Love returns:
George Hill, Cedi Osman, Rodney Hood, LeBron James, Larry Nance Jr.
This lineup features three current starters in Hill, Osman and James.
It’s obvious why James, the sun to the Cavs’ solar system and the best player in the NBA, starts. He’s the best scorer, facilitator, defender and leader on the team and is their go-to player. In this starting lineup, however, James is aided by players that can fit around him and create easy opportunities as well.
Hill, the heady veteran who is the best defensive point guard the Cavs have had since Brevin Knight, hasn’t had his shot fall often but he’s taking good shots that should start falling sooner rather than later. He’s the most knowledgeable point guard on the roster outside of Calderon and has the most two-way impact as well.
Osman brings a defensive energy that sets the tone for the Cavaliers.
He’s capable of guarding 1 through 3 and the opposing team’s best player. He’s a tireless worker who is improving his shooting stroke, especially in the corners, and his playmaking off-the-dribble. He’s also a fan favorite who gets both the crowd and teammates up when he makes a play.
Putting Hood in the starting lineup gives the Cavaliers a fourth player who can make plays with the ball in their hands but a knockdown shooter as well.
He’s not as athletic as either Osman or J.R. Smith, nor as familiar with the playbook and schemes. That impacts his play on both ends. However, Hood makes the team less predictable and more dynamic on offense. While not an elite defender, he’s a player who gives consistent effort and has solid length.
Nance Jr. is a quicker and springier version of Tristan Thompson though Thompson has a thicker frame and a greater impact on the boards.
Nance and Hill should make for a great pick-and-roll duo and Nance has the athleticism and acumen needed to rack up steals as well. On offense, the threat of him finishing around the rim should open up plenty of space for shooters. His pick-and-pop ability aids the slashers.
After Kevin Love returns:
George Hill, J.R. Smith, LeBron James, Kevin Love, Larry Nance Jr.
This is the best possible starting lineup for the Cleveland Cavaliers because it gives them chemistry (three players in Smith, James and Love who have played together since 2014-2015), improves their interior defense (Nance Jr. is a more active, athletic and astute defender than Thompson) and puts two their two most dominant scorers (Love and James) in the starting lineup.
To be frank, starting Osman and Hood on the wings and sliding James down to power forward makes the Cavs more dangerous as a team for these three reasons:
(1) James is a more dominant force than Love at power forward.
(2) Osman can defend the best perimeter player.
(3) Hood and Hill can play off of each other, combining for over 20.0 points per night.
It would never happen but Love would be the focal point of the offense if he was in the second unit. He, Thompson and Smith would make up the frontcourt while Jordan Clarkson and Kyle Korver made up the second unit backcourt.
Jeff Green would take some of Thompson’s minutes if the Cavs wanted to go small or some of Korver’s minutes if they wanted more athleticism. It wouldn’t be an elite defensive unit but one that was dangerous on offense.
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What do you think the Cleveland Cavaliers starting lineup should be? Let us know in the comments section below or Twitter @KJG_NBA. Follow @quentonalbertie on Twitter today.