The Cleveland Cavaliers had one of their best seasons in years and many players helped in that turnaround this 2021-22 season, in which the Cavaliers had a 22-win turnaround from the 2020-21 season. All of the players we discuss today certainly had a role in that success as well. But as we look to next season, these same players should have a smaller role on the team.
This isn’t to say that they are hindering this team’s promising future but there were stretches during the season and moments in games where the Cavs relied on these players too much and likely cost the team some wins.
Do you blame them or the head coach? I’ve been very critical of the Cavaliers head coach J.B Bickerstaff because I’ve felt that the head coach should be ultimately responsible, but these players are also responsible for playing their best because they are professionals and that should be expected.
The three players that we discuss next should continue to make progress and help this team out in more ways if they want to stick with the team. None are at risk of losing their job with the Cavs, though some could be involved in a trade or two moving forward that would maybe change a few things for a Cleveland team that still has needs.
If these Cavaliers get lesser roles in the future their importance to the team might grow even more because of the time they give on the court would be magnified in its importance.