Cleveland Cavaliers: Biggest strengths and weaknesses for 2017-18
Strength No. 1: Best player in the league in LeBron James
The Cleveland Cavaliers still have the best player in the NBA in LeBron James. He’s been working all offseason to improve, but this season should see a player looking to fill the stat sheet rather than be a primary scorer.
Rose gives them another potential ball-handler that can score with the second unit when needed. It should also give LeBron James some rest and preserve his status as best player in the league.
More from Hoops Habit
- 7 Players the Miami Heat might replace Herro with by the trade deadline
- Meet Cooper Flagg: The best American prospect since LeBron James
- Are the Miami Heat laying the groundwork for their next super team?
- Sophomore Jump: 5 second-year NBA players bound to breakout
- NBA Trades: The Lakers bolster their frontcourt in this deal with the Pacers
He played 37.8 minutes per game in 2016-17 and that is likely to change as this team looks to become better defensively.
The Cleveland Cavaliers bench averaged 29.1 points, 11.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game, ranking 28th in the NBA in points per game, 29th in rebounds, 29th in blocks and dead last in assists per game.
Given the additions of Isaiah Thomas, Crowder, Green and Rose, the bench should produce a lot more than what last year’s bench was able to do.
Crowder is a proven defender, often tasked with guarding LeBron James as a member of the Celtics. Green gives them an athletic wild card on the wing that can drive the basketball at times. Rose still has some athleticism in the tank and with James in his ear, he’s sure to play at a high level.
At times, James looks to do too much for his team. With this current group, LeBron James can preserve himself a bit more in 2017-18 with the depth they’ve created around him in Cleveland.