3 reasons Cleveland Cavaliers will make the 2019 NBA Playoffs
By Ryan Piers
2. Improved defense
In 2017-18, the Cavaliers’ defensive rating was 111.0, 29th in the league. Only the Phoenix suns were worse. The nine best defenses made the playoffs. Cleveland was one of only two teams in the bottom third to earn a postseason birth.
Clearly there is correlation between good defense and making the playoffs. This feels weird to type, but the Cavs sans James may actually be poised for a better defensive year…maybe good enough to get them into the postseason.
James’ defensive rating last season was a career-worst 109. Guys who should see more time with his departure all have better career defensive ratings — Rodney Hood (108), Tristan Thompson (107), Kyle Korver (107) and Larry Nance Jr. (107). Rookie Collin Sexton is touted for his stout defense.
Yes, it’s tough to say any team improves at any aspect with the departure of James. But as a collective unit, Cleveland could be a better defensive squad than last year. The offense will drop off, but hopefully this young and athletic talent comes into its own and proves to be difficult to score against.