The Cavs should build a new identity through defense

Building through defense: it’s what the Celtics did.

To understand how a defensive identity can vastly improve a team, look no further than Brad Stevens’ Boston Celtics.

After the Big Three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen disbanded, Boston chose to rebuild—with defensive-minded players. They went from a mediocre defensive team in 2013, to a top-three defense by 2016, the same year they won the East before being defeated in the Conference Finals.

They acquiesced to one of the league’s best teams so quickly due to their “defensive DNA.” The offense followed.

Of these 2016 Celtics, ESPN’s Chris Foisburg said this: “Grit, toughness and, most important, versatility. It’s the backbone of [this] Boston defense.”

These post-LeBron Cavs could be built in a similar way, emphasizing the defensive side of the ball and trusting their players’ offense develops accordingly.

You can teach Sexton how to shoot threes. You can’t teach him how to have his drive, persistence, and tenacity.

No doubt, there’s still tons of room for this Cleveland team to grow. Mental and physical toughness alone will not launch them into a top seed.

But it’s a start.

The 2018-19 Cavs should embody the city of Cleveland by grinding out wins through hard-nosed, lockdown defense each and every play.

This year could be the beginning of a Cavaliers team that finds its identity—one that’s sharper and more refined than “the team with LeBron.”