King James Gospel
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Cavs 30.5-win over/under likens them to New York Knicks

By Doug Patrick

Cleveland Cavaliers Collin Sexton (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers Collin Sexton (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 22: Kevin Knox #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats handles the ball against Xavier Sneed #20 of the Kansas State Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 22: Kevin Knox #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats handles the ball against Xavier Sneed #20 of the Kansas State Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Incentivized to lose

It’s important to remember that the Knicks’ 29 wins last year were purposeful. When Porzingis went down, they gave up.

For their effort—or lack thereof—they received the ninth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Their selection, Kevin Knox, has garnered some hype in the summer league and may become a key piece for the Knicks going forward.

While the Cavs have chosen to remain competitive following LeBron James’ departure, they may abort the mission, especially if Love gets injured. They may look away from the battle for tenth in the East and fall in love with a prospect.

Even if Love doesn’t get injured, the Cavs could find themselves halfway through the season realizing the choice is no longer between winning and losing, but finishing in ninth place or gaining a quality draft pick.

There’s even extra incentive for the Cavs to implement their own “youth movement” next season because the Atlanta Hawks get their 2019 draft pick if it doesn’t fall in the top ten. The Cavaliers will have to make a choice this season.

Do they push for ninth place if it means sacrificing a draft pick?

Is a first-round playoff appearance worth a draft pick?

All of a sudden, the Cavs have become a young team: Collin Sexton (19), Ante Zizic (21), Cedi Osman (23), Larry Nance Jr. (25), Rodney Hood (25), Jordan Clarkson (26).

Should you get this core playoff experience or add more young talent?