3 ways John Beilein will change up the Cleveland Cavaliers
By Ryan Piers
3. Cavs to space offense
The Detroit Free-Press reports Beilein has dreamed of coaching in the pros for years. Now, he brings his exuberant demeanor and experience to the Cavaliers sideline. His offensive style fits the modern NBA game. Beilen’s teams play a wide open offensive, giving permission to anyone to shoot from anywhere on a spaced floor.
Take a look at these highlights from Michigan’s first round win against Montana University in the NCAA Tournament last year. On almost every possession, the Wolverines position four perimeter players equidistant with a post player at the foul line.
The space leads to open looks from both outside and in. Beilein should enjoy the added room of the NBA floor.
Remember big man Mortiz Wagner during Michigan’s championship run? He benefited the most, developing a reliable outside shot that inflated his draft status. It’s a style that should fit the likes of Kevin Love. Really, it should fit everyone; almost all players enjoy a pace-and-space style, and his system doesn’t require a star to dominate the ball, taking the pressure off Collin Sexton to make plays.
Defensively, Beilein regularly switched between zones and traps. In a league dominated by man-to-man, he’ll need to adjust. Potentially, the Cavs are encouraged to play more aggressively. That seems to fit their personnel.