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Cleveland Cavaliers: Two steps to building a Warrior-beating superteam

By Rithvik Bhongiri

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 30: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers watches as Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs puts pressure on LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on January 30, 2016 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 30: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers watches as Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs puts pressure on LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on January 30, 2016 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Fill the Kyrie Irving Void

If the Cavs want to become a juggernaut offensively it will start by getting more players who can threaten opposing defenses and score of the dribble.

The Cavs had that last season with Irving. He was able to offensively put pressure on Klay and gave the Cavs another player who could exploit the Curry mismatch successfully.

The main difference in these NBA Finals is that Cleveland didn’t have anyone outside of LeBron that could attack the Warriors’ defense.

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This led to LeBron being triple teamed on the perimeter forcing him to pass the ball which was when his teammates began to miss wide open 3s. Keeping LeBron passive in Games 2, 3 and 4 was what led to a quick series.

Adding someone with a similar play style to Kyrie would’ve made the series much more interesting.

Enter Kemba Walker.

Walker is one of the most underrated point guards in the league.

However, it is the poor record of his team that keeps his talent under wraps. If you look at him closely there is no doubt he is one of the best guards in the league. Walker averaged 22.1 points per game and 6 assists. It is also noteworthy to mention that he shot 38 percent on 3 pointers.

Having a guy like Walker who can come off screens and hit shots is what Cleveland would love to have.

The best part is that the asking price may not be too high. Charlotte is clearly looking to start a rebuild. They would value picks and young talent over veterans.

If Cleveland wants to do this trade they probably wouldn’t want to part ways with the pick.

Yes, it is almost certain that the Hornets would ask for the Brooklyn pick, there are other ways the Cavs can acquire him. The Cavs can offer a package of Nance, Clarkson and their 2021 first for Kemba. However, in the end, if James leaves after next season, that pick in 2021 could be far more superior to this No. 8 overall pick.

This would certainly intrigue the Hornets and they would pull the trigger as they now have role pieces to build around their selection with the 11th pick.