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Playoff Picture: Cleveland Cavaliers

By Luke Duffy

Apr 2, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) look on in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) look on in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 16, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) dunks in front of Miami Heat forward Henry Walker (5) during the first quarter at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) dunks in front of Miami Heat forward Henry Walker (5) during the first quarter at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Potential X-Factor

Timofey Mozgov

So many players could have potentially gone in here. Shumpert’s defensive chops, Smith’s unpredictable, but occasionally brilliant, bursts. Even Love, if he elevates his play to All-Star level once more, this team really could go all the way. But I’m going to go with Mozgov. Cleveland were a defensive disaster before the big Russian came in and clogged up the paint. Before his arrival this team was on course to be historically good offensively. But like the run and gun Phoenix Suns of near a decade ago, that can only get you so far.

Mozgov brought with him a tough interior presence and rim protecting ability. He’s added another dimension to the team. This team is still 20sh in defensive efficiency (Which really doesn’t equal winning a title) and it would be a whole lot worse if Mozgov wasn’t around. He’s a respectable 73 percent free throw shooter (meaning no hack-a-Mozgov action here) and he contributes on the offensive end as well to the tune of 10.6 points per contest.

His Player Efficiency Rating of 19.1 (League average is 15) shows a player who is important to his team. He might fade into the background often when the playoffs begin, but the fact is, this team really needs him if they are to be successful.

Next: Would You Bet Against This Team?

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