Cleveland Cavaliers: Analyzing the team’s questionable defense

How to improve

OK, we have broken down the positives and negatives to each aspect of the Cleveland Cavaliers defense. Now, it’s time to talk about how the franchise can fix these issues.

For starters, they should focus on developing the young players they currently have on the roster. Collin Sexton, Cedi Osman, Darius Garland, Kevin Porter Jr. and Dylan Windler have all the time in the world to improve on this end of the floor.

Older players such as Kevin Love and Tristan Tompson aren’t going to suddenly become lockdown defenders at this stage in their career’s. Therefore, shifting the attention to building up the young core’s defense is the most important thing the Cavaliers can do.

Next, the franchise needs to begin drafting players with defensive specialties. A rim-protecting center is their biggest need, with a versatile wing defender being the next best option. Filling in both of these holes will have the Cavaliers defense looking instantly better.

Ideally, the team will find a prominent shot-blocker and at least two wing defenders within a few seasons. By doing this, Cleveland will be able to switch freely on defense and cover up for any mishaps made by Sexton and Garland.

As we know, this process takes time. It’s possible that after a few seasons we will have seen zero progress and be forced to reset all over again.

However, with proper execution and hard work from each member of this team, the Cavaliers can improve defensively and build a competitive team for the future.