Without LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers will have to re-strategize along with finding other consistent scoring options. Who will they be?
Last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers had one of the league’s most dynamic offenses.
Behind LeBron James, they averaged 110.9 points per game, fifth most in the NBA. James was responsible for about 25% of the team’s scoring yet also chipped in 9.1 assists per game. Needless to say, filling his void is nearly impossible.
The team has to move on though, and they have young talent that can and must step up next season. Some players like JR Smith and Jordan Clarkson need to re-prove their value to Tyronn Lue and the coaching staff.
While the team is obviously aiming for the postseason behind Kevin Love, this year is far more about development.
Will Rodney Hood, Cedi Osman, Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson be able to play efficient minutes in multiple stretches throughout a game? Last season it was tough to answer that question. The contribution from the three on the team was mediocre at best.
Offensively, it won’t just be a youth takeover though. Tristan Thompson, JR Smith, Kevin Love and Channing Frye, the only four players from the Cavs 2016 championship run will be asked to play an integral role in the team’s offense.
That said, let’s take a look at which individuals will be reasonable for most of the team’s scoring this season.