Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 lineups they need to test out in 2018-19

3. The starters

The lineup: Collin Sexton (PG), Jordan Clarkson (SG), Rodney Hood (SF), Kevin Love (PF), Tristan Thompson (C)

This should be the starting lineup that Tyronn Lue shows for the first game of the season. This is arguably the best five the Cavaliers have to offer to begin the game.

Naturally, Kevin Love and Collin Sexton should be locks as starters. Love is the Cavaliers’ best player and will be involved in the most important plays of each game. Sexton is the future of the franchise and needs every chance he can get to grow. Starting Sexton from the jump will give him a boost in confidence as he takes on his first NBA season.

As for Jordan Clarkson and Rodney Hood, these are two young guys who still have something to prove. Both of them can score the ball, which is always valuable. Clarkson, in particular, has potential to be a great playmaker if he can mature his game.

The decision to start Tristan Thompson might seem questionable. At the moment, Thompson isn’t exactly loved by every Cleveland fan. In fact, many seemed to have grown frustrated with his inconsistent play last season.

Thompson understands that fans are starting to doubt him and has been working all summer to get in better shape. TT looks ready to regain his status as a solid NBA player and I believe he deserves this starting position. At least for the first week of the season. Thompson has earned an opportunity to prove his worth before being sent to the back of the rotation.