Defense should be top priority for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018-2019 season
The Cleveland Cavaliers were among the NBA’s worst defensive teams last season. This season, with a younger core, defense should be their top priority.
Led by superstar LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers possessed one of the league’s most lethal offenses last season. However, on the other end of the court, they could hardly hold opponents to fewer than 110 points per game.
That combination at times provided thrilling games full of scoring, but on different occasions, led the Cavs to be absolutely blown out.
This will be far different though, and it starts with a much different personnel. Not necessary a much different personnel but rather a much different distribution of minutes.
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The Cavs will be led by Collin Sexton, Larry Nance Jr., Rodney Hood and Cedi Osman on the defensive end with Kevin Love being the team’s primary scoring threat.
As for a clear prediction, it’s hard to use last season’s team stats to provide a clear picture for this season’s team. Obviously, the team is far younger. Younger normally translate to a much more energetic and aggressive bunch of players.
With experienced yet raw young talent, the Cavaliers should be able to break into a nice form offensively, and as the team gets used to each other, they should be able to use that chemistry to do well on the defensive end as well.
The Cavaliers were content with mediocre last season. During the regular season, it showed all too frequently. One night the Cavs were unbeatable and the next they seemingly didn’t care, and it hurt to watch. That pain was mainly felt on the defensive end.
Last season, the Cavs were on pace for a historically bad defensive rating. As the Suns tanked to finish the season, the Cavs slide up a spot, ending with the league’s second-worst defensive rating. Additionally, they ranked 24th in steals and 28th in blocks per game.
To counter the above point, the Cavaliers will also be led by veteran players that have been to four straight NBA Finals. Players like Tristan Thompson, JR Smith and Kevin Love should all see time in the Cavs rotation.
Could that abominable defense follow them into this season?
I think not.
Tyronn Lue is a good coach and many people discredit his abilities to lead a successful team. Well, for the first time without LeBron, we’ll get to see Tyronn Lue not have to be in the shadow of the superstar which many thought ran the team.
Lue should focus on defense. With an athletic starting five and elite athleticism that can come off the bench, there’s no reason for Lue to award time to players that are a defensive liability. That said, the Cavs will have options this season.
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With options come better results. With an obvious lack in defense last season, the Cavs, behind Sexton, should be able to fill that void regardless of their lack of a complete roster overhaul.