3 Takeaways from the first week of the Cavaliers’ season

Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

A focal point of the Cavs’ offseason was to add depth to their frontcourt outside of Mobley, and Allen. They signed Damian Jones and Tristan Thompson to fix this issue. Through the first week of the season, it has become clear the Cavs need to lean on Thompson more than Jones.

Jones has been largely ineffective in his little minutes on the court this season. In three games, he has a total of six rebounds. He has also been ineffective on the defensive side, as he has looked a step slow to challenge shots, and has had trouble being in the right spot.

As for Thompson, he has played in two games so far, but he has been much better than Jones. In eight minutes against the Pacers, Thompson had four points, and five rebounds. Against the Knicks, he had four points, two rebounds, and two blocks in 19 minutes. He was in the right spot constantly and did a great job of dealing with the Knicks’ physicality. He has clearly shown that he can still play, and can provide a lot of value for the Cavs on the boards.

Thompson is showing that he will be much more than a veteran voice. They need his tenaciousness off the bench when Mobley or Allen sits, so the Cavs don’t miss a beat in the paint.

After being out for the past three games, I have reached the point where I am willing to send Darius Garland a massage gun for his ailing left hamstring. The Cavs sorely miss him, and his dynamic playmaking. Garland brings so much to the table as a ball handler, and playmaker, that makes the Cavs offense so dangerous.

He is one of the best pick-and-roll guards in the league, and he is always setting up Mobley for easy looks. His court vision is the best on the roster, and his shooting is deadly. His ability to shift his defender, and get the defense moving has been missed these last three games. He eases the playmaking burden on Mitchell, and Garland allows for Mitchell to be focused on getting buckets.

Whenever Garland is out, there is a lot more on Mitchell’s plate, as he has to look for his own shot, and create for others. As I have said before, Garland reaching his full potential makes the Cavs a dark horse in the East. He has to get healthy, so the Cavs can start having success in the first month of the season.

It is only the first week of the NBA season, so there is no need to fret over the Cavs 1-3 start. Things will get better as guys reach full health. Don’t worry Cavs fans. The team will start to “Let ‘Em Know” soon.