Analyzing the Cleveland Cavaliers one major weakness

The Cleveland Cavaliers have lost several pieces this offseason, and now it’s time to see if they can overcome their one major weakness.

That weakness is the Cleveland Cavaliers inability to bring a combo forward off the bench.

Last season, LeBron James‘ presence alone brought combo forwards and veteran wings to Cleveland.

They signed Jose Calderon and more importantly Jeff Green in the 2017 offseason. Green along with Cedi Osman helped give the Cavs second unit a versatility matched by few NBA teams, leading them to be top ten in points scored and three-pointers made.

This season, however, their roster is in trouble of not having that ability. Jeff Green took of Washington following James’ departure to Los Angeles, and Cedi Osman will be inserted into the starting lineup.

Assuming Rodney Hood comes off the bench, the Cavs would be forced into playing a smaller lineup. Even at 6-foot-8, Hood at the three is still an abnormal position for the 25-year-old.

But, what would the Cavs do instead?

That’s their problem is the options will be limited, unlike in past seasons for Lue and his staff. In the past, they’ve been able to play through LeBron James and just surround him with shooters in order to succeed.

Outside of not having a big-time scoring threat, the Cavaliers will be limited offensively without a combo forward. They will be forced to play two big men at all times in order to rebound with any type of competence.

Osman and Hood, their two closest players to combo forwards, are too incompetent on the rebounding end. Recording 10.1% and 5.6% of the team’s total rebounds while on the court, Osman and Hood respectively are subpar.

The Cavs are one signing away from changing that. They could’ve snagged Mike Scott or Thaddeus Young this past offseason. However, now with the bulk of players already having signed elsewhere, it’s time for Cleveland to be aggressive in the trade market.

It wouldn’t take a massive trade to enable a small-ball lineup either.

James Johnson, Mike Scott, Markieff Morris, TJ Warren or an array of the league’s mediocre combo forwards would help them create a diverse second unit.

While not a noticeable weakness like their inexperience or lack of star power, their lack of versatility might cause this middle-of-the-pack team to falter and drop out of playoff contention late in the season.

With Kevin Love‘s 4-year, $120 million extension, the Cavs have bought into staying relevant, but while Love might be the main piece, he can’t be the only piece. Securing the desired small-ball forward for a big man such as Ante Zizic or Tristan Thompson might bode well in long-term.