Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season
By Simon Smith
5. Derrick Rose excels in Thomas’ absence
Considering he has been signed to a minimum deal, no one is expecting the world of Rose this season. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t capable of having a sizable impact.
Last season, Kyrie Irving led the Cavaliers in usage rate at 30.2, which included 43 games with a usage rate of 29.5 or greater. By comparison, Rose had a usage rate of 25.6, his lowest since his rookie year, and featured just eight games with a usage rate of at least 29.5.
However, Rose excelled over these eight games, averaging 25.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 35.5 minutes per game. Furthermore, he shot 45.2 percent from the field and 92.6 percent from the free throw line.
More from Cleveland Cavaliers
- Latest intel calls Donovan Mitchell’s future with the Cavs into question
- 5 players who will challenge Victor Wembanyama for Rookie of the Year
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Analyzing the Max Strus acquisition
- Ranking the 5 best available shooting guards in 2023 NBA free agency
- NBA Rumors: Cavs have secret weapon to lure LeBron back to Cleveland
Considering the Cavaliers’ iso-heavy approach on offense, Rose’s driving abilities should suit the team to a tee. Last season, Rose averaged 10.0 drives per game, which ranked 12th in the league. As a team, the Cavaliers averaged 26.8 drives per game, with James and Irving making up 18.8 drives per game of this total.
So with the Cavaliers stacked with deadly 3-point shooters such as Kyle Korver, J.R. Smith, Kevin Love and Channing Frye, Rose’s clear ability to get into the heart of the defense and either score or create should prove problematic for the opposition.
Furthermore, the presence of James alone, and not just the arsenal of shooters, should ensure Rose enjoys a tremendous of room to operate and showcase what he’s capable of producing.
Despite being on a terrible Knicks team last season, Rose’s ability to get to the rim was not diminished. Overall, 46.8 percent of Rose’s field goal attempts came within five feet of the rim. By way of comparison, this number was 29.9 percent for Irving.
An example from last season that Rose is still effective was when he was matched up against, ironically, Thomas and the Boston Celtics. He posted 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals. Celtics center Al Horford noted after the game:
"“He can still play, and he reminded us of that tonight.”"
So while the likely injury delay to Thomas is far from ideal, the Cavaliers should be heartened by the fact they have a point guard in reserve who should be more than apt at filling in when required.