It has been an ugly season for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are well on their way to a lottery draft pick this June. Losses, injuries, and personal jabs at teammates have all been a part of this season’s woes. It isn’t getting any better in any of those categories, either.
After suffering their 41st loss of the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to look for any type of answer as to why they’re suffering many one-sided losses. It was understood that the team wasn’t going to be very good heading into the season but to say most people saw this kind of struggle coming would be incorrect.
Yet, here we sit with Cleveland claiming just nine victories on the campaign and a whole lot of questions to ask themselves. After the season ends, the Wine and Gold will have to address finding a new head coach, drafting a potential cornerstone piece, and making decisions surrounding their current roster.
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But right now, the players have to remember that while they are losing because of the talent level they currently possess, it isn’t fair to point fingers. More importantly, it won’t help their issues.
Over the course of the year, multiple members of the organization have spoken on the problems this 2018-19 season has presented. Head coach Larry Drew, Tristan Thompson, and Larry Nance Jr. have been the main voices heard from the Cavaliers. However, maybe some of the chatter should be quieted down, especially in the latter’s case.
The big question that one has to ask themselves when they are criticizing others on their own squad is “How much of the problem am I?” and it appears Nance Jr. really isn’t asking that.
This isn’t to say that the sixth-year pro shouldn’t be frustrated or disappointed with the way this season’s gone for Cleveland. He, along with a number of other guys on this roster, is fresh off of an NBA Finals appearance. In the case of other notable players, such as Thompson, this is their first year of non-competitive basketball since the 2013-14 season.
But singling out other players’ flaws isn’t the way to go, considering the fact that Nance Jr. is still developing into a well-rounded player himself. Just a year ago, the former Los Angeles Laker was only valuable around the paint and couldn’t be trusted with the ball when it came to swinging it around on offense. His very limited game was an issue for LeBron James and company but James, though harsh at times, never threw the entire blame onto one or two guys.
Nance Jr. should remember those times and try to relate to how the current youngsters are feeling. For someone throwing a lot of negativity on others, he really hasn’t accomplished a ton in his own career to have some sort of chip on his shoulder.
To completely neglect the offensive end of the floor is baffling, as NEO Sports Insiders’ Quenton Albertie reflected in his piece on Thursday. But to do so while being the 25th-worst offensive team as he’s only posting 8.8 points is ridiculous.
And Nance Jr. really shouldn’t have much to say when critiquing the defense. He currently ranks as the 449th-worst defender out of 488 eligible players, according to the NBA.com defensive rating category. That means he has just as much to work on like everyone else.
Thompson is even worse on that end, as he slots in as the 471st-worst defender in the league. His commitment to wanting to get the best out of his teammates is commendable but oftentimes feels as if he thinks he’s immune to the criticism.
Drew’s words will fall on deaf ears going forward after his comments in Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd of The Athletics’ article (subscription required) surrounding the Cavaliers’ impending coaching search and how he won’t be a part of it.
Once again, accountability can’t be demanded when you’re not holding yourself accountable.
For a team that’s 9-41, there is no need to point fingers. Instead, looking in the mirror to figure out what it is you could be doing better to benefit the team is the right plan of action.