Cleveland Cavaliers: Stock Up, Stock Down for post-All-Star break

Note: the “stock up, stock down” doesn’t necessarily refer to trade stock, but is a way to review how the Cleveland Cavaliers’ players have been performing, as I’ve noted before.

The All-Star Break has come and gone and the Cleveland Cavaliers are playing some of their best basketball of the year. They have been aided by a pretty lenient stretch in the schedule, but they’re beating teams they should beat like the Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies.

Kevin Love also made his return to this column.

Stock Up: Kevin Love

Love is finally back after missing 50 games due to reported toe surgery (as we’ve mentioned repeatedly).

In his five games back (four of which he’s played considerable minutes), he’s putting up 16.8 points on 56.1 percent effective field goal shooting and 9.0 rebounds while playing on a minutes restriction (just 19.7 minutes per game in those, per NBA.com).

With Love in the lineup, there’s a lot less pressure on guys such as Cedi Osman and Collin Sexton. Love has helped to space the floor and as a result, the Cavs have played a lot better offensively.

With Love back, the Cavs could really challenge to finish as only the fourth-worst team in the NBA.

Stock Up: Cedi Osman

Osman has been a frequent flyer in this article series. He’s seen his stock go up and down, but it looks like its firmly on the upward trajectory now.

Osman also has dealt with some nagging injuries, such as most recently an ankle sprain, but over his last four games, he’s put up 17.5 points a night, while having a fantastic 69.1 percent effective field goal rate from the floor and a magnificent 56.5 percent from three, per NBA.com.

Overall, given what the Cleveland Cavaliers have been through, Osman has been one of the most improved players in the league this year.

If it weren’t for guys like John Collins, D’Angelo Russell and Pascal Siakam, Osman would likely get some recognition as one of the most improved players.

Stock Up: Collin Sexton

The “Young Bull” has been playing better basketball as of late. Still struggling with consistency and shot selection, Sexton has a ways to go to improve his overall game.

That being said, he has averaged 16.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists over the past five contests. It is also important to remember Sexton is barely 20 years old.

For a rookie on a team in free-fall for most of the year, Sexton’s play has been sufficient.

Stock Steady: Jordan Clarkson

Jordan Clarkson has become a mainstay in the “stock steady” category this year. You know what he’ll give you time and time again off the bench.

If the Cleveland Cavaliers were contenders it would be easy to see him get some recognition in the race for Sixth Man of the Year.

Stock Down: Tristan Thompson

No player has embodied the mantra “the greatest ability is availability” quite like Tristan Thompson has over his career up until the last two years, and this year, especially.

Thompson was known for always being available to play; at one point he went four straight years without missing a game (according to Basketball Reference).

He now finds himself sidelined with reported foot soreness and has missed the past 16 games. He also missed a 10-game stretch back in December while initially sprained that foot.

What are your thoughts on this installation of “Stock Up, Stock Down,” readers?

Next. Collin Sexton nearing Cavs' rookie record speaks volumes about his tireless work ethic. dark

Let us know in the comments below, on Twitter (@KJG_NBA), or on our Facebook page (facebook.com/fansidedkjg). Thanks again!

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Stock Up, Stock Down: Post All-Star break

By Josh Friedman | Feb 28, 2019