2 Underrated additions have helped transform the Cavs into true contenders

The Cleveland Cavaliers have achieved a remarkable feat, starting the season with a record of 17-1, the best in franchise history. This outstanding performance has placed them at the top of the Eastern Conference and the best record in the league.

This summer, the team focused on retaining their current players, with the only roster addition being their Draft pick, Jaylon Tyson. However, the addition of Kenny Atkinson and the resurgence of guard Ty Jerome has significantly contributed to their early success.

Kenny Atkinson has made all of the difference for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Atkinson is well-respected throughout the league, which is a testament to his coaching abilities. His tenure as head assistant for the Golden State Warriors led him to be sought after by many, including an offer for the head coaching position at the Charlotte Hornets, which he declined. 

His patience has put him in the perfect situation with the Cavaliers, an already talented roster that finished fourth in the Eastern Conference last year. Atkinson didn't arrive in Cleveland empty-handed. He has brought some of the Warriors' offensive principles to the Cavaliers, and it's been dynamic. 

The Cavs are moving the ball, playing with the flow, and empowering their players to play freely in space confidently and not solely rely on All-Star Guard Donovan Mitchell to create. This culture change has led to the Cavs having the best offensive rating in the league after they finished 16th last year, in the middle of the pack.

The Warriors' influence didn't just stop there, though. He's also trusted former Warrior guard Ty Jerome to run the show off the bench, and he's become one of the best backup point guards in the league.

Ty Jerome is having a breakout year for the Cavs.

It has been challenging for Ty Jerome as a pro. In his short career, he's experienced it all. He's been traded multiple times, has had stints in the G-League, has been waived, and has had two season-ending surgeries. 

Despite his misfortune, Jerome has been the ultimate pro, and thanks to Atkinson, he now has the opportunity to show he belongs in the NBA. Jerome is having a career season, averaging 12.6 points and 3.6 assists per game, shooting 54 percent from three and 60 percent from the field.

Jerome leads the league in pick-and-roll points per possession at 1.39 and has become one of the best backup point guards in the league. He's in the early talks for Most Improved Player of the Year, and his play couldn't have come at a better time. He is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and hopefully, he can secure a long-term deal this offseason.